Out of the Blue | Sophia Skilling | Brought to You by Schrader’s

This week, we feature Sophia Skilling in our Out of the Blue WMX column by Jensen Amyotte brought to you by Schrader’s

By Jensen Amyotte

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Name: Sophia Skilling

Date of Birth: October 2, 2010

Hometown: Arthur, ON

Grade: Grade 9

Race Number: 916

Bike: YZ125 50th Anniversary Edition

Race Club: Thames Valley Riders

Classes: Ladies Open

This week, we feature #916 Sophia Skilling from Arthur, Ontario. | R4 Photo

What is your favourite track and why?

My favourite track is definitely Gopher Dunes sand track. I feel like the track really tests your strength and ability. I also love that even with rain we always race and I love doing mud motos there.

What event do you look forward to most every year? What’s one you don’t ever want to miss?

Every year I look forward to Walton TransCan. Even if I am not racing, the experience and the people you meet are amazing. Watching the WMX races is also very inspiring.

Do you have any pre-moto rituals?

Yes, before and even after every moto I like to drink pineapple juice. I am not sure why, it’s just something I do.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully, racing in the Triple Crown WMX series. I would really like to see that for myself.

When Sophia grows up, she hopes to do something in carpentry and interior design. | R4 photo

If you ever have children will you give them the option to race as well?

Of course I will! I would love to be the mom of little moto kids and see them experience what I have.

If you could give 1 piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding what would it be?

Don’t worry about anything motocross boys or even other girls have to say. When you step into the moto world, be yourself and don’t change for others.

What was your first fear when you started riding and how did you overcome it?

My biggest fear ever was being beside bigger bikes. When I was little I would never want to go on the big tracks because I was scared of big bikes next to me. But once I started getting on bigger bikes I realized that when you see a little kid on the track, you know you once feared those things, you are respectful and do not rush past them.

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series?

I really hope that one day I will be able to say that I compete in the WMX Triple Crown.

Watch for Sophia in the Canadian Triple Crown Series WMX championship in the next few years. | R4 photo

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I would like to have my own business involving carpentry and interior design. I find it’s a job I like doing and something that also pays well.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank my mom, my dad, McKee Racing/Mckee Sport and Garden, OG Optics, Shellboure Fuels, Mika Metals, Funnel Web Filters, the 15 practice track, McCullum Crete Bros, Davidson Custom Brokera Limited, Dave’s Mobile RV Service and go fast mx training.

My Nana is also someone I would like to give a big thank you to. She has done so much for me to get me where I am today. I don’t know if I would have the race bikes I’ve had it wasn’t for her! Big shout out to Nan!

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