By Staff

Over the last three years, no AMSOIL Arenacross competitor has been more successful than Tyler Bowers. The young prodigy began racing arenacross full time in 2010, finding the tight, highly-technical tracks a natural fit for his aggressive riding style.

Since 2010, Bowers has claimed 33 wins in 53 career AMSOIL Arenacross Main Events, an astounding 62% of his races, and already sits fourth on the all-time wins list. With back-to-back AMSOIL Arenacross Championships over the past two seasons, Bowers enters the 2013 season with his sights on a third consecutive title, looking to become just the third rider in 27 years of AMSOIL Arenacross to accomplish such a feat. At 21, Bowers has achieved more success by this age than any rider in AMSOIL Arenacross history.

Even though he has thrived so early in his career, Bowers has faced hardship in his path to becoming a soon-to-be legend in the sport. During the late stages of the 2010 season while leading the championship, Bowers crashed during a practice session and severely broke both legs, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of the title that year. He’s used his experience from that season as an inspiration for not only his on-track success, but also his life beyond racing, finding passion in his road to recovery.

“After everything I went through in 2010, I learned a lot about overcoming adversity,” said Bowers. “Injuries are a part of our sport, but the mental toll is just as difficult as the physical one. It took a lot to come back from that injury, but now my outlook on everything is much more positive and I’ve been able to achieve a lot. It’s helped me take a step back and look at the bigger picture outside of just racing.”

Bowers is currently enrolled in online college classes, pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Science, with a focus on Sports Management. In the long term, Bowers is looking ahead to accreditation as an Athletic Trainer, with hopes of aiding athletes like himself in their recovery from injuries. A native of Kentucky, he is a student at the Lexington-based Bluegrass Community & Technical College and possesses the ultimate goal of someday being a Sports Medicine Doctor.

“I was homeschooled for most of my life,” explained Bowers. “But I knew the importance of getting my diploma and going to college so that I had the chance to become something once my racing career was over. Now, I’m taking those proper steps.

 “I’ve been fortunate enough to have some amazing people around me during my toughest times and it’s what has inspired me to pursue my degree and continue my higher education. As riders, we know that getting through injuries is part of continuing your career, and I want to be able to help them continue that pursuit of their dreams despite being hurt, by staying positive and being able to conquer anything mentally. The same way my doctors have for me.”

In the short time in which he’s held dual roles, as a student and a professional athlete, Bowers has prevailed both on and off the track.

“It’s done wonders for my career and although I’ve had a lot going on, I know that I’m going to be ready for the future,” he continued. “I have a newfound confidence in myself and an entirely new set of goals in my life. I just feel like I’m capable of taking on more, particularly in racing where I can help my sponsors, my team, and myself have a stronger presence in the sport.”

While his path towards a career beyond racing is still in its early stages, his professional competitive career couldn’t be stronger. In just three seasons, Bowers has already established himself as one of the greatest riders in AMSOIL Arenacross history and at such a young age, his career is just beginning. With a third title up for grabs in 2013, the ultimate quest for an all-time record of six championships could be a reality.

For now, however, Bowers is embracing the role of being an ambassador for AMSOIL Arenacross and hopefully becoming a role model and inspiration for his fellow athletes through his off-the-track endeavors.

“I don’t think there are any excuses for other riders to not continue their education,” Bowers concluded. “Our careers our so short and I hope that I can set an example for my fellow competitors.”

Special thanks to Brandon Short of Next Level Sports Management