American Skyler Howes is the latest reinforcement to the Monster Energy Honda Team, joining riders Adrien Van Beveren, Pablo Quintanilla, José Ignacio Cornejo and his compatriot Ricky Brabec.
Third place in Saudi Arabia last January, he became the 5th American to ever finish on the overall podium of the Dakar Rally. Since his first success in 2008, when he was crowned USRA 125 Desert Champion, Howes has collected a total of 48 race wins.
Skyler is quite enthusiastic about this move: “Riding for the HRC rally team is a highlight of my life and career. I learned how to ride on a XR75 when I was 3 years old and I began my rally effort on a CRF450X so my roots are deep with Honda. To also have the support of Monster Energy is huge for me and I’m super excited to see what the team and I can accomplish together. After a podium at the Dakar my focus remains the same, have as much fun as possible, and continue to reach for the top step of the podium”.
Team Manager Ruben Faria is “very happy to welcome Skyler. He is a young gun, but quite experienced in rally – was third in the last Dakar and won in Morocco. He is quite complete and fast off piste. With him we will have a super team for Dakar 2024 and I am sure Skyler will help us to be on the top standings”.
Professional since 2012, the 31 years old rider follows a long tradition of racing, a passion that has been passed down for many generations. Born in Riverside, California, he lives and keeps an intense practice in Southern Utah. Besides his commitment for rally raid, when he is not on the trails he loves to do mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, jet skiing, or flying his hot air Balloon.
