This weekend, there will be numerous key factors that will play a role in deciding this year’s champion. The 3,2,1 points system in GoPro Superpole will be crucial to the top three riders, and in the event that riders tie on points on Sunday, the 2016 title will be awarded based on number of race wins.

Kirk Gibbs – Currently leading the Thor MX1 Championship (602 points)

Race wins: Three

Moto 2 – Murray Bridge
Moto 3 – Wanneroo
Moto 2 – Shepparton

GoPro Superpole appearances: Seven

GoPro Superpole victories: One

Shepparton – 1:40.273

Round Wins: Three

Podiums: Eight

Horsham 2nd
Broadford – 1st
Murray Bridge – 2nd
Wanneroo – 1st
Nowra – 3rd
Conondale – 3rd
Shepparton – 1st
Toowoomba – 3rd

DNF’s: None

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs has proved this year that consistency is the key to success. He’s been on the podium more times than any of his competitors, yet hasn’t won as many races, and his ‘quietly chipping away’ attitude has paid off. With one round remaining, Gibbs holds on to a six-point lead, but this weekend there will be no backing off for last year’s MX1 Champion.

Dean Ferris – 2nd in Thor MX1 Championship standings (596 points)

Race wins: Eight

Moto 1 – Horsham
Moto 1 – Appin
Moto 2 – Broadford
Moto 1 – Wanneroo
Moto 2 – Wanneroo
Moto 2 – Nowra
Moto 2 – Conondale
Moto 2 – Toowoomba

GoPro Superpole appearances: Seven

GoPro Superpole victories: Four

Murray Bridge – 1:41.225
Wanneroo – 1:42.344
Nowra – 1:43.497
Conondale – 1:58.516

Round Wins: Four

Podiums: Seven

Horsham 3rd
Appin – 1st
Broadford – 2nd
Nowra – 1st
Conondale – 1st
Shepparton – 3rd
Toowoomba – 1st

DNF’s: One

Moto 3 – Wanneroo

CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has been explosive this year. He’s won double the amount of races than his competitors, and despite being the only rider in the top three to register a DNF, he trails his closest competitor Gibbs by only six points. This weekend, Ferris’ will be aiming for two race wins, and another GoPro Superpole victory if he’s to finally clinch this year’s championship.

Todd Waters – 3rd in Thor MX1 Championship standings (578 points)

Race wins: Four

Moto 1 – Broadford
Moto 1 – Murray Bridge
Moto 1 – Conondale
Moto 1 – Shepparton

GoPro Superpole appearances: Eight

GoPro Superpole victories: One

Appin – 1:40.295

Round Wins: One

Podiums: Six

Appin – 3rd
Broadford – 3rd
Murray Bridge – 1st
Wanneroo – 3rd
Conondale – 2nd
Shepparton – 2nd

DNF’s: None

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Todd Waters has only won a single round this year, however has been on the podium an impressive six times throughout the season. Despite trailing points leader Gibbs by 24 points, Waters is still within striking distance of this year’s championship. Both Ferris and Gibbs would need to have an issue at the front, but if there’s one thing we all know at the MX Nationals, it’s that it’s never over until the final chequered flag flies.

The tenth and final round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals is set to be held at Coolum Pines MX Track, this coming weekend August 27-28.