The final round of the FIM World and European Championship concluded at the brand new Cózar track in Spain for the Gabriel SS24 KTM team, with Josh Gilbert in the MXGP class and Cas Valk in the EMX250 category, completing their time with the team, who will both be onto pastures new in 2025.
With Cas secure in third place in the championship, there was nothing to lose going into the weekend. He qualified second quickest, 0.779 off of pole position. In race one he got out of the gate well and made an impressive move on the opening lap, improving two positions in just two corners. Settling in third he picked his way around the stoney and edgey track closing in on second, finishing just 1 second behind at the flag. In race two he didn’t get as good of a start but was still within the top 10. He tried to push forward but with passing difficult on the one lined track he ended up crashing twice. Determined not to give up and with a place on the podium for the day still up for grabs, Cas dug deep and got back up to 6th place. The 3-6 scorecard secured him his final podium of the season in third place, along with third overall in the championship.
Cas: “Happy to finish the year off with an another podium! We had a year with ups and downs but we kept going and made the best out of it! Thanks to Simon and Shaun for this year and everyone from the team and I wish them the best of luck for the future!”
In MXGP Josh was ready to round out his first full season with two solid rides, after what has been a testing season. He lined up to the RAM qualifying race in 17th from his time in timed qualifying but didn’t get the best of starts. Josh was in 20th in the early laps but a freak issue with his rear brake saw him drop 1 position to 21st.
On Sunday Josh managed a good start in race one and found himself right in amongst the action for the duration of the race. With 4 riders on his tail and battling hard the entire race Josh was really pleased to come away with a well deserved 15th place. Race two was of a similar story with another race full of battles throughout different points in the race, wanting to finish the weekend with a solid result and the track deteriorating Josh ended his final race of the season with another point scoring ride in 18th place.
Josh: “Really happy to have finished the season off with another double point scoring weekend. The track was difficult with a lot of stones and bike set up being difficult to feel comfortable with how the track developed.
“This season has definitely been my hardest one to date but we kept pushing through despite the injuries. I’ve learnt a lot this year and injuries aside, looking back I’ve had some really good moments throughout my first MXGP season. These riders are another level and to ride against them week in week out has been great.
“I can’t thank Simon, Shaun and KTM enough for giving me this opportunity despite it not gong how we planned. It’s sad our partnership has come to an end but I wish the team all the luck as they grow into the new EMX250 Factory Junior squad and thank them for all their hard work and support this season.”
Team Manager Shaun Simpson: “That’s a wrap on the 2024 season!
“We can be proud of the step we have made as a team this year, there will always be up’s and downs but I think we have done a good job with both our riders in their respective classes.
“Cas has been great all year, we came up a little short on second in the EMX250 championship but to get another podium in the last race of the year was great.
“Josh has struggled to get comfortable this season and his fitness still isn’t back 100% but had his best GP of the year which was a positive way to end the 2024 MXGP Championship.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors for their support and wish both Josh and Cas all the best for 2025. It has been a pleasure working with both of them in 2024.”
Words by Gabriel SS24 KTM – Images by Ray Archer
