Shay Snider
Primary: ATV MX Racing
Secondary: Snowboard, Wakeboard, BMX
Birth Year: 1996
DETERMINATION - One word can sum it up for SHAY SNIDER. At an early age, Shay took his first ride on an ATV and it changed the course of his childhood. Competing at the age of 6 in a local quad riding event, Shay not only won but developed a sense for competition.
After a short time of recreation riding with his family, the desire to compete was developing as quickly as a 10 year old was growing. He took to the track that year and never looked back. Starting on a 90cc at the Northwest Quad Nationals, Shay clearly had motivation to win. He continued his racing in the Northwest but quickly was given a chance to race on a National circuit when he turned 12. In Taft, California on a custom built “shifter” quad, he exceeded all expectations by coming in 2nd in both shifter classes.
Craving the style of racing that the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) offered, Shay set his sights on a podium finish for the 2009 Series in the shifter classes. His commitment to balance school and racing for a 9 month series covering California, Nevada, and Arizona paid off. Three podiums for three classes! Not bad for a kid from Washington competing on his competitors home turf.
After turning 14, Shay was allowed to ride a production 450cc quad in the WORCS. He was determined to reach his ultimate goal ~ Pro-Am. A few minor obstacles stood in his way for the start of the 2011 season; one he was only 14 and allowed to ride in restricted classes and two, he would turn 15 after the 3rd race. With points to consider, a Championship on the line and a decision to be made; he followed his heart. Shay gave up a podium and qualified for his first ever Pro-Am race. He was 15, the youngest competitor on the track but determined to make it happen. In Phoenix, Arizona, (the last round of the 2011 series) Shays determination, motivation and ambition helped him achieve a 5th place finish in Pro-Am. Still only 15, he had won the acceptance of his fellow, much older competitors.
Flash forward to today, Shay has turned 16 and still loves to ride. Academics have taken a bigger role this year but his determination to get on the track hasn’t subsided. As he looks to new adventures and opportunities to challenge his racing abilities, the track isn’t so far away. “If I had it my way, I would race every weekend. When you’re on the track some days are great and some days are good. I just like to make it happen!”
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