Gary Gibson (aka Gumby)
Gary Gibson tucks in at the 1984 WERA GNF. (Larry Lawrence photo)
I’m not 100 percent sure, and someone out there can correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this is a photo of Gary Gibson from the 1984 WERA Grand National Finals.
Gary had the nickname of “Gumby” because whenever he crashed (which was often) he always seemed to be able to bounce right back up no worse for wear.
Gibson was fast… very fast. He raced a little of everything, but I remember him most for racing 250 Grand Prix bikes and his awesome WERA battles with his buddy and teammate Ed Key. Gary had some decent outings in AMA 250 Grand Prix competition as well.
Ed Key (34) and Gary Gibson in one of their typical tight battles. This shot at a Honda Hurricane money race at Grattan in 1987. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Now I don’t want to say Gary was a crasher, but I distinctly remember WERA suspending him [actually Ed Key cleared this up and Gary was not suspended, merely warned or maybe put on probation – editor] for some races simply for crashing too often. Gary also had a great personality and was one of the truly fun guys to hang out with at the races.
Don’t know what Gumby’s up to these days. If someone knows please post a reply.
Rider Files 
Yes, that is definitely Gary. He’s riding what was an extremely rare bike even then. A Can-Am 250. It used a tandem Rotax engine with twin counter rotating cranks.
Gary was never suspended by WERA for excessive crashing. He was threatened with suspension for excessive crashing. He was certainly exciting to watch as he rode everything like it was a 250. Very high mid corner speed, long sweeping arcs while usually passing on the outside. The picture you have of us dicing on the Hurricanes is a perfect example of his riding style.
Gary is still active in motor sport currently racing in SCCA and IMSA Lights and owns Perfect Circle Paintballs Inc.
Ed Key
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Ed,
Thanks for stopping by and clearing up my fading memory about Gary’s situation. I guess it would be more accurate to say he was on probation. I still remember you guys battling on he last lap at Grattan coming over the rise in the blind corner in the back and there I was on the track standing in front of a knocked-out rider (lack of crners workers so the photog had to step in) and you guys never let off the throttle and went on either side of me.
I’ll have to look Gary up and interview him sometime soon.
Take care,
Larry
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