Backus Racing in Mara, B.C., is where world champion snowmobile racers Trent and Tyler Backus have worked alongside their father Everett for many years. This family business is a full service Polaris dealership that specializes in snowmobiles, ATVs and utility vehicles, plus many more services, accessories and recreational vehicles.
The brothers both have world champion titles under their belts. Trent won the 700 Improved Stock World Champion Hill Climb in Jackson Hole in 2008 while Tyler, 30, won the 600 Mod World Champion Hill Climb in Jackson Hole in 2004. Both men have been racing sleds since they were seven years old and helped their father build up the Backus Racing business.
However, Tyler and Trent, both sponsored by Polaris, have had success in their own business ventures as well as in their racing.
Backus Back Country Adventures
Trent is the proud owner of Backus Back Country Adventures and has turned his passion for sledding into guiding others through the backcountry around Revelstoke, Sicamous and Enderby. Trent offers guided trips with over 100 kilometres of groomed trails, alpine meadows, and steep and deep opportunities.
"I love to take people out who are not really familiar with riding in the mountains," he said. "I show them the basic stuff so they can actually come out here and enjoy themselves. Most of my clients come from Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota and other flat land areas, so it's great to teach them how to ride in the mountains. I also teach everyone about safety, so when they come back to these areas later on in life they know what they're doing and can be safe about it."
Trent guided over 100 people last year and hopes to serve even more this year. He already has 80 bookings confirmed, with more to come. As he works part-time at Backus Racing, he works his schedule around his clients.
For more information or to book a trip, visit his website at backusbackcountryadventures.com.
TB Racing
Tyler is also excelling in his business, TB Racing, building custom sleds and parts for clients from around the world. Your wish is his command with custom built sleds and parts like vent kits, bumpers, gas racks, gauges and more.
"I got into this when I started racing snowmobiles," said Tyler. "I really liked custom stuff, so I started off doing individual vent kits, running boards and decal wraps for Backus. I then went to a snowmobile show and it took off from there."
An example of a custom part made by Tyler is the TB Pipe Board, which is a running board that replaces the stock one on your sled. It's two inches wider on the front and an inch and a half wider on the back. He also makes aluminum bumpers to replace the factory carbon fibre ones. He can also make you a custom vent kit and gas rack for any brand. The opportunities he can provide are endless.
"I love what I do," said Tyler. "I love how everything we build is different."
For more information on TB Racing, visit www.tbracing.com.
