Pace: Skylar Yackel up to challenge
While most competing in motorsports do so with a hobbyist’s sense of enthusiasm, the hope of turning professional drives many to aim for the highest points in racing. Often those driving or riding do so with little financial support, many times using their own funds to get to the racetrack.
Such is the case for motocross rider, Skylar Yackel, a junior at Freeman High School.
Challenging circuits and long days are the norm for Yackel who competes on the Inland Northwest Yamaha Cup. Competing with riding gear and equipment donated from family has helped to overcome the costs of motorcycle racing, Yackel explained.
“Most of my gear is retro gear from the 1980’s and 90’s given to me by my cousin and uncle. I don’t have sponsors so if I need parts or gear I’ll buy it or I’ll get help from my uncle Jim, cousin Dani or my dad. My family has always been influenced by motorcycles so when I need help they gladly lend a hand. I wish I had sponsors because racing and all the gear and parts are pretty expensive.”
Yackel has enjoyed competing in entry-level events prior to branching out toward new levels where the dream of reaching the top of the sport’s ladder drives him to work harder.
“I’ve been able to push myself to clear tabletops, camel backs and other big jumps. I’ve been riding since I was six, mainly trails and a track my dad and uncles built. I’ve recently started motocross racing and eventually I’d like to progress to riding professionally.”
Motocross racing comes with the risk of injury. Hard landings and missed jumps can lead to bumps, bruises and even fractures. For Yackel it’s all part of the game.
“You have to be able to push yourself mentally and physically and accept the fact you will get hurt. To avoid this you have to be smart in picking your lines, don’t try anything you haven’t practiced and try your hardest to not be scared to get back on your bike after a crash.”
The stars of the Inland Northwest Yamaha Cup continue their season with this weekend’s event in Clarkia, Idaho at the famed Fossil Bowl. Yackel has been able to ride on the course and is excited for the upcoming race.
“I went last weekend to ride and practice on the track. I’m pretty fast, but I’ll need to pick better lines when the time comes. If I want a spot on the podium I’ll also need to hit the doubles faster and jump further.”
Drag racers hit Spokane
The NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series rolls into Spokane County Raceway this weekend for the first time since 2014. Known for high speeds, quick times on the scoreboard and intense competition the three-day stop is one of SCR’s highlight events of the season.
Racing this weekend will be Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street classes. Northwest NHRA Division 6 racers will also be part of the events with the traveling groups Top Sportsman Series, Rig Rentals Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series competing over three days of racing.
With 45 events scheduled across the country, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series pits drivers who aim to make as many of the races as possible to score national points against regional stars looking to defend the home turf. Year-end payouts to the series top $515,000 with points earned this weekend going towards Division 6 and national standings.
Local drivers will be in the mix led by the division’s most recent Top Dragster winner, Hayden’s Ken Nelson. Using a final pass of 6.977-sec. at over 187 mph, Nelson held off Lacey’s Tony Burton to win the main event at the May 1 season-opener in Boise.
Spokane County Raceway’s NHRA action gets underway today and continues to Sunday’s final elimination rounds. For ticket and other information log onto nhradiv6.com or spokanecountyraceway.com