Revelstoke motocross rider Skyller Archer, 16, is drawing attention, getting great results and moving up in the motocross rankings.
Skyller came in second for the Arenacross Intermediate 250cc at races in early February in Chilliwack’s Heritage Park. It was his first experience racing in the indoor arena format.
Archer is approaching his third season in the Canadian Motosport Racing Corporation (CMRC) circuit outdoor series, which includes all of B.C. minus Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The CMRC series is the biggest in the province. Skyller has done two full seasons on the CMRC circuit. Intermediate racers hold a pro-amateur license that enables them to race in professional races.
Archer started riding when he was four, joining his older brother Devon on rides at the old track in the industrial zone. His family has been involved with local motocross for three generations.
His father Terry is the vice-president of the Revy Riders, the local riding association that operates the new Revelstoke Motocross Track on Westside Road. He helped build the current track, and his father before him helped build the old one.
The track has been a big boost. “Everyday after school,” he said. They also built a small arena-cross track on private property above Columbia Park.
Skyller said he committed to the sport seriously this year when he moved up to the intermediate pro-am class. Skyller is one of the younger riders in the intermediate level, which includes riders in their 20s.
He’s integrated new facets into his training, included increased weight-lifting and training as well as a nutrition regime. “I just got moved up to intermediate,” Skyller said. “I wanted to see how good I could do, putting in all of the effort.”
Archer is heading to Riverside, California in March for a training series. There’s a cluster of about 10 tracks in the area where professional riders converge for spring training sessions.
Skyller’s mentor will accompany him to California. Williams Lake pro-rider Brock Hoyer is coming off of Canadian Arenacross championships in Canada in both engine classes. He’s a team-mate, a coach and a mentor to Skyller.
Archer is currently a student at RSS and will be putting in lots of homework while at training in California.
His amateur series begins at the beginning of April when he returns from California. This year he plans to race in the western series, but next year he’ll make the jump to eastern races as well.
Archer is heading to the televised Canadian Nationals pro series in June. He’ll be racing against sponsored factory riders who roll up in factory trucks and trailers plastered with their sponsors’ logos. Top American riders can make in the millions on the circuit.
Archer also stands to take home prize money depending on his finish. What motivates him? “Work hard, go to the gym and ride lots,” Archer said. “Beat other people.”
His father Terry Archer says his son’s fast ascent in the rankings is remarkable. “The majority of the kids are 18 to 19 years old,” father Terry says. “Skyller’s bounced through that quick.” Riders must accumulate enough points to move up to the next ranking.
The bikes cost about $18,000 each with discounts. To date, his sponsors include Fox Shox, Fox Gear & Clothing, T Archer Ltd., Spectra Power Sports, Shift, Apex Granite, MX1 Canada, Ogio, CTI Pro Wheel and team sponsor Kawasaki Canada.
His ambition is to move up to the pro rankings. What’s the timeline on that goal? “Hopefully two years,” Archer says.