On the Radar | Sawyer Saunders | Brought to You by KTM Canada

This time, #17 Sawyer Saunders from Sechelt, BC in ‘On the Radar’ after winning the KJSX at the San Diego Supercross.

By Billy Rainford

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Brought to you by KTM Canada

Name: Sawyer Saunders

Age: 8

Hometown: Sechelt, BC

School and Grade: Grade 3

Number: 17

Bike: Cobra 50 and 65

Race Club or Series: AMO

Classes: 50 (7-8), 50 Open, 65 (7-9)

This time, Sawyer Saunders from Sechelt, BC is ‘On the Radar.’ | Saunders photo

How did you get started riding and racing? 

I was three years old when I got my first dirt bike. I wanted to start racing when I was four but mom and dad said I was too little. Little did they know, I started racing when I was six years old and my first race was in Pemberton.

What was your first race number and how did you choose it?  

My first race number was 17. Still is! I was riding at Popkum with this young boy and he had 17 on his jersey and bike. That was one of the first little kids I saw with a number and I thought that was cool. We rode together for the day. Mom asked a few days later what number I would be if I wanted to race and I said 17.

Whats your favourite subject in school?  

My favourite subject is PE.

Sawyer races 50cc and 65cc. | James Lissimore photo

What is your favourite track and why?

My favourite track is Kelowna.

Who is your favourite rider and why?  

Favourite rider is Eli Tomac and Hayden Deegan. I like these riders because they are fast and super fun to watch. 

What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?

Dylan Wright, Blake Davies, and Julien Benek.

Who is your hero?  

My heroes are my mom and dad.

Like most kids we talk to, his parents are his heroes. | James Lissimore photo

How did your 2024 season go? Did you meet your expectations?

My 2024 season was awesome! I came first in 50 cc (7-8) and 50 cc. In Open 65 I came fourth overall. 

What was your best race? 

My best race was in San Diego at Supercross KTM Juniors where I came first.

What are your winter plans?

My winter plans are to head down to California for a couple months and train. I will also go to some races down there and try for Loretta’s

What classes will you be racing next season?

50 and 65.

What are the big races you’re planning to attend? 

Some big races I will be tending are the finals for KTM Juniors at Supercross in Salt Lake City and trying to qualify for Loretta’s and TransCan

Sawyer taking the win at the AMO Chilliwack Arenacross Championships. | James Lissimore photo

What are your goals for next season, and what is it going to take to reach them?  

Get stronger, faster and more comfortable on my 65. I need to train hard on and off the bike and have fun.

What are your biggest accomplishments? 

My biggest accomplishments would be meeting so many cool friends and winning KTM Juniors.

What is your favourite thing about going to the races?

My favourite part about going to the races is hanging out with all my buddies and riding together.

The biggest moment for Sawyer came when he won the KJSX Main at the San Diego Supercross this season. | DNC Photos/Motoplayground Instagram

What do you like to do when you arent racing? What other sports or activities do you do?

When I’m not racing, I’m playing hockey or fishing.

You just did something not many can say, and that’s to win a KJSX as a Canadian! First off, what was it like to ride in front of so many people?!

It was scary when I went out for the first practice, but after one lap it wasn’t. I had so much fun. I couldn’t wait for the race riding in front of so many people didn’t bother me. I had the best time. It was the best day ever.

You were the fastest in practice, how was it to ride an actual SX track on a little 50?

It was so much fun. The jumps were so big.

What was the most challenging part of the track for you?

The most challenging part was the start because I’m so big for the E5’s.

What was your favourite part of the track?

My favourite part of the track was the step-up and the whoops.

Good luck with your 2025 season, Sawyer. | James Lissimore photo

Then you went out and won the Main! Can you take us through how the race went?

The gate dropped and I was third or fourth around the first corner. I knew I had to fricken go and ride hard. I was in the whoops and that’s where I passed to be in first spot. I passed Grayson (Stevenson) and I knew I had to keep my pace up and ride hard. I did just that and crossed that finish line in first place.

Who was more excited, you or your parents?

I think we all were so excited. Dad’s smile couldn’t have been bigger.

Is the podium photo already mounted on a wall at your house?

Not yet, it’s in the works, but my trophy is.

Congratulations on that big achievement! Good luck next season and who would you like to thank?

Thank you. I’d like to thank my mom and dad, my sisters, RentalEquip, yourfloors.ca, West Coast Cobra, Infinite Road Painting, 100% Goggles, Matrix Concepts Canada Jenkins Construction, Hall race fuel, Inland Construction, CJR Suspension, and last but not least all my friends and family for cheering me on at KTM Juniors. That was so cool. Thanks to KTM Junior also!

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