Kirk Gibbs nearly eclipsed his more established team mate, winning the first moto off the back of a blindingly fast start, then taking three second places to finish just 6 points behind Waters.
Both riders mastered the demands of the iconic circuit, which blends deep, energy-sapping sand whoops with famous WA pea-gravel over hard pack, in the process fighting off high-quality local riders, former national champion Jay Marmont and AMA motocross top-ten rider Weston Peick, who crashed out of the event.
‰ÛÏThe track was really awesome to race on." Gibbs enthused at the end of the days racing. "I got some good starts today and I‰Ûªm happy with my result.
"With the shorter races and my starts being really good today I kept Toddy on his toes. My start in that first one was unbelievable - I couldn‰Ûªt see anyone there!
"By the end of the lap I had a two second lead and I could see that Todd was catching me slightly here and there, then he put in a really hard last lap but I managed to hold him off. It‰Ûªs good to get a win too, it gives me more confidence for nationals," the South Australian continued.
"It was great to ride close with him today too and see the little things I need to do better. I‰Ûªm doing it better each time I get on the bike lately and having my starts dialled in obviously helps a lot.
"Racing this close with him is something we both enjoy and there‰Ûªs no tension. Close, clean racing is what you want and there‰Ûªs nothing better or more fun than that." Gibbs added.
Final Results - Manjimup 15,000, Cosy Creek, WA:
1. Todd Waters 97
2. Kirk Gibbs 91
3. Jamie Law 72
4. Jay Marmont 67
5. Josh Adams 53
6. Louis Calvin 51
7. Kyle Webster 51
8. Charlie Creech 38
9. Paul Humberston 37
10. Travis Freistat 37
Top Image: KTM's Todd Waters on his way to winning the famous Manjiump 15,000 in his first ever attempt at the race.
Credit: Innesphotografix
