ALEDO, Ill. — Meet 12-year-old Audie Snelson: a motorcycle racing prodigy from Mercer County who’s already making waves on the track and turning heads far beyond his age group.
Audie began riding motorcycles at just four years old, thanks to the encouragement of his parents and grandfather. At this year’s RPM race during the Mercer County Fair, Audie claimed first place in the 250 class and second in the Open Amateur division — even going head-to-head against racers on more powerful 450 bikes.
“I got first in the 250 and second in the open am, but that was against the 450, so I mean, it makes sense,” Audie said, brushing off the tough competition.
Racing in a sport typically dominated by adults, Audie says most of his competitors are significantly older — some even in their twenties. But the motorcycle community has embraced him with open arms.
“Everybody… helps each other. And it’s pretty awesome, honestly,” he said.
His mother, Ali, says Audie has always been fearless and full of energy. “He’s just always been really outgoing and willing to jump right on anything,” she shared.
Despite the bumps and occasional crashes, Audie keeps getting back on the bike. “It hurts sometimes, but other times you just get right back up,” he said.
When asked if he’d represent WRMJ on the track with a sticker, Audie didn’t hesitate: “Yes, I will!”
With more than a dozen bikes at his disposal and a growing list of achievements, this local rider is showing the world that age is just a number—and the Mercer County motocross scene has a young star on the rise.