James “Jim” Harley Snell, age 66, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on September 27, 2023.  He will be missed by so many.

Born on June 24, 1957 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Jim was the son of James Snell, Sr. and Axie Snell (Cox).  Jim grew up in Lafayette, Indiana where he was raised by his grandparents, Sylvester and Fern Snell, who were long time curators of the Fowler House Museum.  He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1976.

On October 7, 1978, Jim married the love of his life, Martha “Marty” P. Snell (Smith).  They shared forty-five years together and raised and rescued and nurtured many pets along the way.  Jim and Marty eventually made their home and opened a business in Earl Park, Indiana.  They owned and operated Rising Sun Imports.  Jim was a hard-working man and a lover of “trials” motorcycle riding.  Together they grew a thriving business importing specialty motorcycles.  When he was not participating in many national and local trials riding events, Jim enjoyed travelling to Spain to conduct his import business in person. 
While there he was befriended by many local residents.

Jim was also an active member in his community.  He loved living in a small town and enjoyed being a part of the American Legion, the Lion’s Club, the Wabash River Cycle Club, and he volunteered many years for the Annual Earl Park Fall Festival.

He is survived by his mother, brother, sisters, cousins, and aunts.  Jim was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents and his father.

Jim will be cremated per his wishes and no service is scheduled.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, monetary memorials to honor Jim can be made to the Lori’s Kitty Rescue, 528 South Fourth St., Lafayette, Indiana 47901. (765-252-6017).  Condolences can be made to his wife, Marty Snell, at [email protected].

After the Oregon Rounds of the 2023 AMA/NATC MotoTrials Championship in early June, the 2023 USA TdN teams were announced:
 
Women:

• Maddie Hoover
• Kylee Sweeten
• Hailey Glueck

 
Men:

• Josh Roper
• Alex Myers
• Will Myers

 
The 2023 TdN will be held in Auron, France on September 10th.
 
A GoFundMe Page is available to help support the TDN Team:  https://gofund.me/aefedb7b

"GasGas_Contingency is a rider support program for amateurs and professionals racing GasGas Motorcycles motorcycles in Motocross, Off-Road, Flat Track and Road Racing events. Riders can earn cash in select pro classes or credit certificates valid at any participating North American GasGas Motorcycles dealership for their top finishes in select events across the country."
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• Details on the overall program can be found at GasGasRacer.com
• The link for the specific NATC Trials events is here.

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​Ryan Young has been nominated for induction into the American Motorcyclist Association Hall-Of-Fame.  Here is the write-up from the AMA HOF Nominations page:

Ryan Young| Specialty Competition 

With a record-breaking six consecutive AMA/NATC Championships from 1988 to 1993, Ryan Young left an indelible stamp on the trials world. Young won the top class for the first time at age 21, and his success earned him a spot on eight consecutive USA Trial des Nations teams. Beyond competition, Young impacted the sport through his company Ryan Young Products, and by utilizing his knowledge to educate those learning the sport.

Ryan Young's Biography:

From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Ryan Young dominated the AMA/NATC Championship scene to the tune of six consecutive AMA/NATC Championships.

Young, who began competing at age 8, found his footing in his teenage years when he won his first Pennsylvania state championship at age 16.

The following year, Young and his father Jerry became the first father-son combination to win championships in the same season, as Young won the AMA/NATC Sportsman class and his father won the AMA/NATC Senior 35 class.

Taking the leap to the top class of the AMA/NATC nationals, Young excelled early on with a second-place finish in just his second year of competition. Young also finished second in both the Canadian Championship and U.S. Bicycle Trials Championship.

In 1988, 21-year-old Young claimed his first of a record-breaking six consecutive titles in the top class of the AMA/NATC Championship. He also earned spots on eight consecutive USA Trial des Nations teams.

In 1995, Young began his business career when he formed Ryan Young Products, which imported trials-related items into the U.S.

Young tallied his 50th national victory at age 29, and then retired from AMA/NATC competition after 13 years of involvement.

Retirement brought about a heightened focus on business, and Young was able to secure a position for his company as the sole importer for Sherco Trials motorcycles.

Additionally, Young has continued to impact the sport of trials by organizing youth events at each round of the AMA/NATC Nationals, producing and distributing a series of advanced training videos, and focusing on training through his Ryan Young Trials Schools, offered throughout the U.S. and Canada.

You can read about all the nominees and cast your vote(s) on the AMA website here.

Note: only AMA Lifetime Members are eligible to vote.  Voting is open now and ends on June 18, 2023.  The induction ceremony will be held September 14-17 at the AMA Campus in Pickerington, OH.

Of course Ryan is already in the NATC Hall-Of-Fame (2011) and his page is here.

The AMA HOF is here.
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The care and feeding of the NATC Hall Of Fame is an on-going process.  If you'd like to contribute any stories or archived photos for any of the pages that are light on content send an email to [email protected]