At 12 years old, Gibsons’ Garrett Horsman has more trophies and awards than a lot of athletes will receive in a lifetime. And he’s certainly not finished winning.
For the past three years, Garrett has been a force to reckon with on the motocross circuit on 65 and 85cc. He has been riding for several associations, Vancouver Island Motocross, Canadian Motosport Racing Corp., Future West Arenacross, Westshore MX in Victoria and Western Washington Arenacross.
Last year, his third year in the sport, was a particularly good year placing second overall on 65cc and second overall on 85cc in the 12-round Future West Canadian Arenacross championship.
In the spring outdoor series, which ended in June, he placed third overall on his 85cc in the 18-round series. In the fall outdoor series, which ended in October, he was second overall on his 85cc in the five-round series, and in the winter indoor arenacross series, which was eight rounds, he finished third overall on his 85cc.
“When I was younger I got on a bike and I just loved it. A few years ago I got back on, and we really started getting serious about racing,” he said. “When I ride, I like the feeling of being by myself and relying on myself. It’s just you and the bike.”
Garrett got the racing bug from his Dad Gary who raced motocross in the ‘70s.
“We went to a race in Nanaimo and the moment he got on and tried it out he was hooked,” Gary recalled. “We’ve had a great couple of years. Now the goal is to continue that success. It’s going to be tough. He races against Canada’s best in his class.”
Like many athletes on the Coast who want to compete at the highest level in their chosen sport, the Horsmans have to travel a lot. But luckily for Garret, there is a great track in Sechelt that he can practise on.
“Many riders from Vancouver come up here to train. They are very envious of the track we have. It’s great and maintained very well,” Gary said. “We’ve also built a small track out back here on our property. As the weather improves, he will be able to ride more right here at home.”
Garrett practises mostly on the weekends, but will add in more weekly rides as the daylight increases and the weather improves.
His first competition for this year will be the Island Series in March, which will be 14 to 16 races — weather permitting.
“There are five tracks on the island, and it’s a great racing series,” Gary said.
After the Island Series, they hope to race in the Lower Mainland Series, but that series is up in the air due to scheduling and track issues.
As for the goals this season, he just wants to continue racing hard and winning.
“I’m going to be moving up in age class and racing against older kids, so I just want to stay on the podium and maintain where I’m at,” Garrett said.
Judging by the mountain of trophies he already has, that goal should not be a problem.
