KTM Motocross Racing Team has confirmed that Kyle Peters will replace injured rider Kirk Gibbs for the duration of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship.

Former Australian motocross champion Gibbs suffered a practice crash early last week while in preparations for supercross, resulting in a broken femur that ruled the KTM rider out of the series and the Motocross of Nations.

Peters will enter the SX1 category aboard a KTM 450 SX-F as a firm championship contender, with the American possessing a wealth of experience in the discipline after taking part in the premier AMA Supercross Championship for the past five years.

“I’m beyond stoked to be on a team like this with this kind of structure and capability,” Peters explained. “It’s an awesome opportunity for me and it’s going to be a good experience and a great season.”

“My goal for the Supercross season is just to be on the box every weekend, and if I can get a championship out of that, that’s the ultimate goal, but mainly just keep progressing week by week and I think it’ll be a good season for sure,” he added.

The American contested the final two rounds of the Motul MX Nationals last month, showcasing his potential amongst Australia’s heavy hitters.

Peters will make his debut with the team next week at the Australian Supercross Championship opener in Jimboomba, Queensland, and will be joined by KTM Motocross Racing Team regulars Jesse Dobson (SX1) and Caleb Ward (SX2).