The Serco Yamaha duo of Kirk Gibbs and Ford Dale dominated the final two rounds of Pro Lites competition at the Rockstar MX Nationals and in turned netted the Yamaha factory team a 2-3 podium finish in the final championship standings.
In perfect conditions for racing, Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hosted the huge grand finale weekend with six motos and 150 points up for grabs over the two day event.
Serco Yamaha riders took the top two spots on the podium in both days of competition in a huge show of strength for Yamaha and the YZ250F.
Kirk Gibbs entered the final weekend in third place and locked in a tight battle for podium positions in the overall championship points. Gibbs came out swinging in the first three motos on Saturday claiming the round win and placing a strangle hold on second in the championship.
With the pressure relieved, Gibbs fired to life on Sunday and took second for day two highlighted by a race win in the final moto of the motocross season.
“It was a great way to finish the championship by putting together six good races and be on the podium for both days.”
“And to get second in the championship is a great effort. The Serco Yamaha team put in plenty of hours this year testing the bikes and we really focused on trying to win this championship. I would like to have got it done, but I’m still proud of second and want to thank Gavin, Michael and everyone involved with Serco Yamaha,” Gibbs said from the podium.
Sunshine Coast resident Ford Dale barnstormed his way to third overall in the championship on the back of two impressive days racing at his home track at Coolum. Dale entered the final weekend of racing in fifth place and some distance behind the leading four riders but his three race wins and three third places over the weekend gave him enough points to secure third overall in the championship and lock down a Serco Yamaha 2-3.
Dale was inspired all weekend and out to make a statement. He raced with new found maturity and plenty of raw speed to charge home in a big weekend for him in front of his home town friends and family.
“It’s nice to be able to get myself back up to third in the championship. I had a bit of a slow start to the year at the opening round, but I finished the season off strong and winning the final round was a good way to end the motocross season.”
“I also want to thank all my friends and family who came out to the track and supported me all weekend. I could see them as I rode around the track and it was great to have them there.”
“Serco Yamaha has been amazing this year and I hope that getting on the podium was a way to thank them for all the support,” Dale offers.
The final weekend and overall result was also satisfying for team owner Gavin Eales.
“The guys really put in the hard yards leading up to this round. With 150 points on offer, we knew that a good weekend here could change things in the points.”
“It was pleasing to see all the hard work from everyone in the team pay off and the riders get on the podium for the round and the championship. It was been a good championship for the Serco Yamaha team and we now look forward to continuing on that success into SuperX later in the year,” states Eales.
FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS- Pro Lites
1st PJ Larsen – 535 (KTM)
2nd Kirk Gibbs – 470 (Yamaha)
3rd Ford Dale – 413 (Yamaha)
4th Ryan Marmont – 387 (KTM)
5th Lawson Bopping – 380 (Suzuki)
6th Cody Mackie – 332 (Kawasaki)
7th Michael Phillips – 296 (Honda)
8th Luke Styke – 291 (Yamaha)
9th Kade Mosig – 289 (Suzuki)
10th Luke George – 258 (Kawasaki)
