Ronnie Snyder has already had a season to remember.

But the Lehighton native is about to embark on a week he’ll never forget.

Snyder is set to compete at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, the first week of August.

Already a decorated amateur racer, Snyder will compete as one of the top riders in the nation in the 125 C class.

“Of course my biggest accomplishment right now is making it to nationals,” said Snyder, “but over the past couple years, I have picked up a bunch of wins and just got better on the track.”

The 17-year-old - who competes locally in the District 6 series in the Northeast - qualified for the event by placing in the top 9 in his class in an area qualifier, and then placed in the top 6 at a Northeast regional qualifier.

“I wanted to go there more this year than I did last year,” Snyder said. “Last year was hard because of COVID. This is my first time ever trying to qualify for it.”

Snyder will race three motos at nationals, which will be held Aug. 2-7. His races will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with the overall result determined by an average of his finishes in the three races.

The area qualifier was held in Reading with about 20 other racers, while the regional event took place in New Berlin, New York, with Snyder going up against upward of 65 competitors.

Like he has been throughout the season, Snyder was on top of his game when it mattered most, placing first in both events.

“This is definitely my best year of racing so far, since this accomplishment,” he said. “I entered five races this year, and so far I’ve won them all.”

Snyder’s passion for the sport started at a young age.

“My dad got me a bike when I was around 4, and I went to a track and have liked it ever since then,” he said.

Dad, Bill, and mom, Kim, have supported Ronnie throughout his career and as he has gotten more serious with his racing.

“He rode growing up, but nothing big like I’m doing,” Ronnie said with a laugh. “They definitely support me well. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would be doing this.”

Ronnie’s local track is Dutchmen Mx Park in Pine Grove, where he does practices, races and training.

“I normally try to get out once a week,” Ronnie said, “but sometimes I have to work around some other schedules, along with school and work and weather.

Snyder, who will be a senior at Carbon Career & Technical Institute this coming year, typically races on the weekend so it doesn’t affect his school schedule.

“I started racing when I was 6. My first race was in Berwick, and I was fourth in my first race. I was nervous in the beginning, but once I did more races, it got easier on me.”

More than the racing, Snyder appreciates the camaraderie and life lessons the sport has shown him.

“Friends sort of become family,” he said. “And there are a lot of challenges in racing, and it teaches you to overcome it. It’s a mental battle at times that you have to overcome.”

Snyder knows the national event will be both his biggest opportunity and challenge to date. But it’s one he’s ready to make the most of.

“I hope to get a Top 10 finish at nationals,” he said. “And then next year I’ll move on to a different class (250) and be back at nationals for that.”

One thing is certain; Snyder is already on the fast track to success.