Dustin Gibson broke through for the XC2 bike win over the weekend at the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC. By ending the four-race win streak of Thad DuVall, Dustin deserves some love here. While we're at it, we have a phone call in to ATV XC2 winner Donnie Ockerman, and as soon as we get with him we'll give him the credit, too. XC2 rules! Now, here's Monster Energy/Andrews/Yamaha's Dustin Gibson.

Photos by Jason Hooper

Dustin Gibson

Dustin what's up?

Just riding my quad over from my parents house.

 

Oh man you practicing your ATV skills?

 

No way. I suck on these.

 

I think you’re too big for a quad.

 

No, this is a 500. It’s a big utility quad.

 

You should come race it at Ironman or something.

 

It has a lawnmower attachment on it.

 

Oh yeah, that’s not going to work. So anyway, how about the bike race? Another come from behind charge?

 

Yeah, I got some arm pump early and had to move up. I’ve been working on the arm pump, though, and it’s helping.

 

What are you doing?

 

Well, I piddled around in the pits to try to warm up. I think it helped a little. Also, I think falling in the second turn helped, it fired me up. There was a tight pine section where everyone kind of got bunched up, so I wasn’t too far behind everyone. And when we came to a field I would motor by. I got up to around sixth, but I knew the front guys were getting away.

 

So you were taking guys in the fields?

Oh yeah. The Pro Circuit bike just motors.

 

So when did you finally get to the leaders?

We stopped on lap three for fuel. I could see them. They were just pulling off when we were coming out of the auxillary pits. I knew as soon as I could catch them I could go by them. When I caught those guys, Thad and Kailub, I passed Thad on a downhill, and I didn’t look back. Then I got around Kailub, and I just didn’t look back at all. I wanted to get away.

 

What about Weisenfels? He was leading.

I never saw Josh! I didn’t even know I was winning! All I read on my board was “Thad 10 down.” I didn’t know it said P1. I didn’t see that part. I was so focused. When I was on the last lap, I just didn’t even see Josh. I heard he was 10-12 seconds ahead, but when I got into the fields, I didn’t see him at all. I thought he maybe he had just upshifted and got away from us. So I came through the finish right behind Garrett (Edmisten). He asked me if I was leading all day, and I told him I didn’t think I was ever in the lead at all. Then he told me I was the first Lites rider to come through. I didn’t even know I had won!

Gibson hopes to get more wins and close in on Thad DuVall for the series' lead.

 

Man so how did that feel?

It was a relief. I finally got one. Everything is going so well for us with this team, and I had three third place finishes so far. That’s all Freddy wants from us, podiums, and he says if we just get podiums every round that’s fine. But to get a win, man, it feels good. I think just being a little closer at the beginning helped a lot. The other races, I was just too far back to make it happen. Even in Georgia, I crashed at the start and never really got a chance to race with those guys. This race, Thad and I, we really stepped it up on the last lap. We were faster than Knighter on the last lap! I think Thad beat me by like four seconds on the last lap. We were pushing hard.

 

Were you worried about Thad?

I knew he was sick, and with the pace we were going, and how rough the track was, I didn’t think he would be strong enough at the end. I wasn’t worried at all. Plus, I know I’m bigger than him, and on the last lap, he was going to have to move me out of the way to get the lead from me!

Gibson has been solid all season.

 

So the good news is, you’ve been pretty consistent with your finishes, so you can make a race out of this for the title.

Yeah, Thad’s got a pretty good lead. But I’ve been on the podium each race. It’s awesome. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Our bikes are great, they’re the best bikes I’ve ever ridden. I’m not saying my past bikes weren’t good, but I’m saying these bikes, they’re just unbelievable. With the Pro Circuit motors, I’m so big, I usually have a disadvantage on these smaller bikes, but on this one I’m right there. And Joey (mechanic Joe Mauer). I can’t believe how much time and effort he puts into a motorcycle. Everytime I get on it, I get goosebumps. I’m like “I can’t believe I get to ride a bike that’s so good.” Everything feels 110 percent every time I get on it. I can’t believe how much time he must put into it. This must be what it feels like to get on a factory supercross bike. Everything seems so fresh and tight and ready as soon as you jump on it.

 

Can you get more wins?

Yeah I think so, and I think everyone else knows it, too. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. I have a 450 at home, and I ride on that a lot, and I think that’s helping me smooth out and relax more.

 

Man, you must be dying to race a 450.

Yeah, it would be good for me. But we’re going to focus on this championship first.

 

You working at all at home, or is this a full-time racing job right now?

This is all I do. Just riding and training. I’m working hard. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of basketball. I played before this race, and I won, so I think I’m going to do a lot more now!

 

That’s one sport where your height might actually help!

No man, I suck. I play with PA Allen, and he tells me I play like a fifth grader. I just go after the ball no matter who has it, I don’t cover anybody. I can rebound though. That’s about it.

 

Well if you keep on playing and winning races, you’ll be a baller by the end of the summer.

Yeah I hope so!