SnoRiders affiliate and Cranbrook, B.C., sledder Riley Vocat headed to the 2014 Alberta Snowmobile & Powersports Show in Edmonton, on October 17 to 19, to see the new sleds and more importantly, to meet the team that will be sponsoring her this winter: Backus Racing.
Backus Racing, which is based in Mara, B.C., is led by world champion hillclimb racers Trent and Tyler Backus. Both brothers have world titles from the Rocky Mountain States HillClimb Association circuit, but this year they are focusing their efforts on the new Western Canadian Hillcross Association (WCHA) league.
There are four races scheduled so far for the WCHA season, and Vocat will be racing all of them. Her training begins as soon as the snow flies.
“I’m new to the world of racing so that means I have a lot of work ahead of me, and I am super excited about it,” said Vocat.
Vocat spent the majority of her time at the Edmonton snow show at the Backus Racing booth. Meeting Trent and Tyler in person was a highlight.
“They are a great group of guys who dedicate their whole lives to getting others involved and excited about sledding,” said Vocat. “They are very passionate about what they do, and can’t thank their sponsors enough for all the support over the last few years, making Backus Racing what it is today. It’s a huge honour for me to be racing for them this winter . . . ”
SnoRiders wishes Vocat the best of luck this winter. We’ll be following her race schedule and posting updates as they come in. Stay tuned!
Here are some of Vocat’s photos from the Edmonton snow show:
For an earlier report from the Edmonton snow show, see 2014 Alberta Snowmobile & Powersports Show Highlights.
