Team USA ATVMX riders announced for Quadcross of Nations

 The U.S. team that brought home the Quadcross of Nations championship last year will return to the competition this October in Cingoli, Italy. Ford Brothers Racing/FXR/SSi Decals/CST’s Bryce Ford, Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick and Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen will make up Team USA ATVMX and will attempt to capture its fifth title since 2017.

Ford, ranked second in the pro class for the 2023 season of the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship, will head overseas for his second time at the international competition.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to compete again as a member of the team,” Ford says. “Last year, it was very special to go with Chad Wienen and Joel Hetrick to bring home a world championship. To get the opportunity again is exciting. Building on the experience I have from competing last year, I’m confident that we have a strong team to do it again in Italy.”  

Hetrick has been selected for the team four times, including this year. The three-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion will combine forces with Ford and Wienen to attempt to secure yet another championship.

“It’s always an honor to be selected for this race,” Hetrick says. “Going back to Italy is going to be fun. I really enjoy the track and the country.”

Wienen, eight-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion, has represented the U.S. at the event every year that the team has attended.

“I’m honored to be able to represent Team USA ATVMX for the fifth year for the Quadcross of Nations,” Wienen says. “I’m proud to have been able to compete every year that the U.S. has entered. We have a great team again this year, and we continue to build together in order to go after another title.”

Previously announced, Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports will serve as the team manager, and Jody Bateman of JB Racing/88 Live to Ride will serve as the crew chief. Harv Whipple will act as the team’s delegate. With manufacturer support from Yamaha, the team will represent not only the U.S. but also Yamaha in front of a global audience.

“Yamaha is honored to continue our support of Team USA in the Quadcross of European Nations, especially considering all three racers have been competing – and winning – at the highest level on our championship-proven YFZ450R in the ATVMX series here in the states,” says Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s amateur MX, ATV, and Off-Road coordinator. “Yamaha’s side-by-sides and full-size ATVs are built with pride in the U.S. for the world to relish their capability, durability and reliability. We know Chad, Joel and Bryce will bring that same level of grit and tenacity to Cingoli, Italy, and nobly carry the flag for our brand and country.”

Supporters can purchase Team USA ATVMX apparel at the Baldwin Motorsports rig during the ATV Motocross National Championship events taking place prior to the international competition, register for the team’s riding school or become a sponsor.

Riding school to raise funds

The riding school to benefit the team’s efforts will be hosted at Pleasure Valley Raceway on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the day prior to round eight of the ATV Motocross National Championship. This is an exclusive opportunity for riders to be coached by three AMA pro athletes. Ford, Hetrick and Wienen will share their expertise, and attendees will receive preferred parking around eight. The cost is $500 per student. Contact hwhipple@mchsi.com for more information or to reserve a spot in school.

In exchange for sponsorship, individuals or businesses will receive a logo on the team’s hospitality tent, mentions on the team’s social media and be noted in future press releases.

Sponsorship levels include:

• Platinum Sponsor: $10,000, includes four race tickets and access to the Team USA hospitality area during the event
• Gold Sponsor: $5,000
• Silver Sponsor: $2,500
• Bronze Sponsor: $1,000

Current sponsors include:

For questions regarding the team or to commit to sponsorship, please contact Harv Whipple at hwhipple@mchsi.com or 309-314-4879. Follow updates regarding the team at facebook.com/teamUSAatvmx and on instagram at @teamUSAatvmx.