THUNDER BAY — At only nine years old, Tyler Campbell has earned his ticket to the ultimate amateur motocross race.
From July 28 to Aug. 2, Tyler will be one of 40 competitors racing in Loretta Lynn’s 44th annual Amateur National Motocross Championship — the racetrack is on the legendary country singer’s family ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
“From the amateur ranks, this is the biggest event you can see and it's hard to explain to somebody who doesn't understand motocross, but everyone who does is over the moon at this achievement,” said Alex Torma, the manager of Excalibur Motorcycle Works.
“It has been going on for over 40 years and it is basically the equivalent of qualifying for the World Juniors of hockey. So we're really proud of him. It takes a lot of effort just to get to qualifying, let alone win one and qualify for the big event.”
Excalibur is Tyler’s sponsor for the race, which Torma said is something they’re honoured and proud to do.
“At Excalibur, we want to thank (the Campbell family) for their efforts and everything. And we will continue to support them throughout the race and everything going forward,” Torma said.
Tyler has been riding a bike since he was four years old.
His grandfather, Shannon Campbell, said he’s been training riders for the last 20 years, starting with Tyler’s father and uncle and now his grandchildren.
“In the last five years, we've been putting quite the effort into it. We run a private track at home, our own facility, and we try and get them on the bikes four to five days a week, plus racing on the weekends,” said Campbell.
“That's kind of what it takes to even make the dream possible. Without that type of effort, the possibilities aren't there.”
That work is also especially required for a rider from a community like Thunder Bay, where winters mean a months-long break from riding every year.
“His competitors at these events, they're from Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma (and) Texas. So they're riding year-round, where, unfortunately, this year we didn't have that option,” said Campbell.
"So he's done very well in the last two months, putting the work in to get to this level.”
Tyler earned his spot in Loretta Lynn’s championship by qualifying for two regional races — the most recent being in Tigerton, Wisc., where he placed second overall.
Campbell said there are several area qualifiers for the race, which narrows the field from thousands of racers to the final 40 that will compete later this month.
