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

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

This week, we feature Sophia Skilling from Arthur, ON in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s

By Jensen Amyotte

Name: Sophia Skilling

Date of Birth: October 2, 2010

Hometown: Arthur, Ontario

Grade: Grade 10

Race Number: 916

Bike: YZ250F 2026

Race Club: AMO

Classes: Ladies A and Schoolboy 2

Who/what inspired you to get onto a dirt bike and how long have you been racing/riding? 

My dad bought me my first ever bike which was a PW50 then I just found the passion in the sport and was able to find a racing series to start my journey. 

When not on a dirt bike how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?

For the most part, I like to stick to dirt biking, but I find enjoyment in volleyball and horseback riding. 

As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?

Just the thought of maybe not being able to achieve your goals as there are many more opportunities for males in the sport rather than females. 

From your first ride to where you are now what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?

I never thought that I would even be where I am today. I’ve always had a fear while behind the handlebars and it stopped me from doing lots of the things I know I am capable of. Recently, I have started to push past those fears and not let them define me as a rider. 

Who is your all-time favourite rider and why?

My favourite rider is Eli Tomac, he has been someone I’ve watched since I got into the sport and he is just an overall amazing person and rider. 

What is your favourite track and why?

My favourite track is Motopark. Motopark has a mix between jumps, wide corners, tight corners and tends to stay well maintained. My favourite feeling is flying over a jump and because Motopark has so many I almost feel free while riding. 

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

The event that I look forward to the most is Walton TransCan. A week at the track enjoying life with my friends and family doing all sorts of fun activities like the golf cart parade and belly flopping contest has to be something I enjoy and look forward to every year. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track? 

On and off the track my biggest inspiration has to be the women I am racing with; every one of them is so kind hearted and has the same mindset while on the track. Now that I am in Ladies A and have had the chance to race with Pro women it is a whole new feeling and I love being able to be out there with them. 

Do you have any pre-race rituals?   

Before every moto I go to every girl on the gate and wish them good luck, before the 30 second board goes up I pray for everyones saftey, not just the ones on the gate with me but everyone who is out there.

What are your plans for this season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?

My plans are to keep pushing and be able to pull top 10 in Ladies A in the 2026 season. 

What are your biggest accomplishments to date?

My biggest accomplishment to date is probably just being where I am. I’ve come a long way in the past couple seasons and believe the effort is starting to pay off. I wouldnt have been able to do it without the people I am surrounded by. 

What is the biggest lesson that racing has taught you so far?

One of the biggest lessons racing has taught me is that fear is often your biggest enemy. It’s not the track, the competition, or the challenges in front of you. It’s the doubt that creeps into your mind and makes you hesitate. I’ve learned that growth happens when you face fear head on, stay focused, and believe in your abilities. Every race is a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear… it’s choosing to move forward despite it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

In five years I see myself being able to compete for higher positions in the WMX series and doing all Triple Crown Series events. 

Are there any females out there who you feel have paved the way for other girls to be successful in motocross or off road?

Jessica Patterson is one of the female riders who has paved the way for girls in motocross. As a multiple time Women’s Motocross Champion, she proved that women can compete at a high level and be successful in the sport.

What kind of track/dirt/terrain do you feel you excel at most and why? 

I feel I excel the most on hard pack dirt. It was always what I grew up riding and just find the comfort on tracks like that. 

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

Absolutely. I think everyone deserves to have an oppurtinity like motocross and I would love to have a little me doing what I love to do most. 

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

If I could give one piece of advice to a female who wants to start riding, it would be don’t let fear or other people’s opinions stop you from trying. Everyone starts as a beginner, and the only way to improve is to get out there and ride. Focus on learning, building confidence, and having fun. There will be challenges along the way, but every ride is a chance to grow. Believe in yourself, trust the process, and remember that you belong on the track just as much as anyone else.

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

My first fear when I started riding was being on the track with riders on much bigger bikes while I was still on a smaller one. It was intimidating because they looked faster, more experienced, and more confident than I felt. At first, I worried about getting in the way or not being able to keep up. I overcame that fear by focusing on my own riding instead of comparing myself to others. The more time I spent on the track, the more my confidence grew. I realized that bike size doesn’t determine your heart, determination, or ability to improve. 

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

My first race number was 16 because it was my dad’s number when he was younger. Since 16 was already taken, I changed it to 916 so I could still keep his number as part of mine.

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series? Or have you competed in the WMX Triple Crown Series? What are your thoughts on the series? 

Yes, I competed in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown Series last year and I’ll be racing it again this year. I think it’s a great series that gives female riders the opportunity to compete at a high level and gain valuable experience. It’s exciting to race against some of the best women in the country, and I think the series continues to help grow and promote women’s motocross in Canada.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Right now, I’m thinking about going to school for cosmetology because I’ve always been interested in the beauty industry. That said, I’m still keeping my options open and exploring different career paths.

Who would you like to thank? 

I would like to thank my mom, my dad and my nana. They have got me to where I am today and I wouldn’t be here without their help and support. 

I would like to also thank my sponsors: Inglis Cycle, OGs moto, Hardcore Candy, R4 photo, Parts Canada, Go Fast MX Training and the 15 Practice Track.