AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team Collects FIM World Championship at Quadcross of Nations

The AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team of Bryce Ford, Joel Hetrick and Brandon Hoag dominated in the Czech Republic at the 2024 Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Quadcross of Nations. It marks the sixth time that the team has secured a global championship since 2017.

“The team showcased that ATV motocross riders in the United States are a force to be reckoned with,” said Team Manager Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports. “While Bryce, Joel and Brandon are competitors on home soil, they had to come together in the Czech Republic to bring home the team’s sixth title. We are all so proud to bring home the coveted FIM World Championship to the United States.”

The team made sure fans knew that the U.S. team was serious about defending the championship during Saturday’s motos to claim gate pick for the following day’s races. All three riders secured the win in their respective groups.

On Sunday, each rider gave it their all in two 25-minute motos plus two laps aboard powerful Yamaha YFZ450R machines. They not only faced the world’s top competitors, they also tackled extreme elevation changes at the Loketske Serpentiny circuit.

As the reigning champions, the team will sport red numberplates on their Yamaha YFZ450R machines at the hard-pack Loketske Serpentiny circuit. The team will face more than 50 of the world’s top riders.

“We have to be strategic and work collaboratively as a team to achieve success,” said Team Manager Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports. “On U.S. soil, Hetrick, Hoag and Ford are competitors. However, they have to work as one unit for this world-class event. Each moto has one of our racers on the front row, one on the back row, and the third rider sits out. With number assignments, we have to consider the time between the 25-minute plus one-lap races. The order has an impact on our riders’ recovery time and machine prep — or possible repairs.”

Moto 1 saw Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Hetrick and Westland Motorsports/JH Racing/Goldspeed Tires/PEP/Musick Racing’s Hoag blast out of the gate into the 1-2 spots. With clean air ahead of them, they were able to focus on separating themselves from the rest of the field. The duo led wire-to-wire. Hetrick’s win and Hoag’s runner-up spot set the tone for race day.

The second moto saw Ford Brothers Racing/FXR/SSi Decals/CST’s Ford grab the holeshot, with 24-year-old Hoag getting shuffled into eighth. Ford began his charge to put a gap on the rest of the field, while Hoag made his way into fourth by the second lap. Hoag pressured the third-place rider for much of the first half, meanwhile holding off the rider on his rear bumper. By Lap 7, he managed to drive his way into the runner-up spot. Out front, the U.S. riders cruised to the checkered flag in the 1-2 spots — with Ford and Hoag capturing a 44-second and 33-second advantage over third, respectively.

In the final moto at the hard-pack track, 31-year-old Hetrick propelled himself into the lead off of the start, grabbing the holeshot. Ford, buried in the pack, put his head down to make his way forward into the top five. Meanwhile, bad luck struck for Hetrick when a rock caught his chain, forcing him to retire after just four laps. Ford kept battling in hopes of defending the team’s title. Mid-way through the race, he rocketed into the lead and was untouchable for the remainder of the moto. Ford finished 19 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

With the team’s five-best scores combined to calculate the overall finish, Ford, Hetrick and Hoag netted the team its sixth global title.

A third-year team member, 22-year-old Ford was once again ecstatic about the team collecting the trophy.

“I’m so honored and grateful to be a part of such an amazing team,” said Ford. “Personally going 1-1 on the world stage is a dream come true. The fans are next-level, and I’m proud to represent our country as world champs!”

Representing the team for the fifth time, five-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Champion Joel Hetrick had a phenomenal first moto, but an unfortunate Moto 2. Nonetheless, the team veteran is proud of being able to defend the team’s title.

“I’m happy to be a part of team USA again,” said Hetrick. “My fifth trip with the team was a success. Winning gold feels good. It’s always an honor to be part of history. Thanks to the team and everyone involved.”

Hoag’s first time joining the team was a successful one and gave him memories he’ll keep for his lifetime.

“I had an amazing experience with the team that I won’t forget,” said Hoag. “I’m proud to keep USA on top.”

Jody Bateman supported the team onsite as the crew chief, while Cody Ford, Jim Hardy and Johnny Hale served as mechanics.

Fans who missed the action live can purchase a pass to watch the competition at page.inplayer.com/fimsidecarcross.

The 2025 event will be held in the Netherlands. The date has yet to be released.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the sponsors that contributed to the team’s efforts to secure the FIM World Championship,” said Team Delegate Harv Whipple. “It’s not an easy or inexpensive feat to get the United States’ top ATV racers, their team members, and their Yamaha machines overseas. Support from sponsors make it possible.”

2024 Sponsors:

Bronze – $1,000

• Baldwin Motorsports
• Binky’s Forever ATC
• D&W Cycle Specialties
• Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast
• Geneseo Brewing Company
• Impact Solutions
• JB Racing
• Mechanix Wear
• PEP
• Ripitup Films
• Score Processing
• TDR Motorsports
• Westland Motorsports

Follow updates regarding the team at facebook.com/teamUSAatvmx and on instagram at @teamUSAatvmx.

About The Team
AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team (formerly referred to as Team USA ATVMX) was established in 2017 by Harv Whipple. The team has fielded three riders to compete in the Quadcross of Nations and has won the title in every year that its competed. The team clinched the championship from 2017-2019 and 2022-2024. The team did not compete during 2020-2021 due to the pandemic.

About High Gear Success
High Gear Consulting LLC DBA High Gear Success is a motorsports communications and marketing strategy company located in Pataskala, Ohio, that helps motorsports businesses, event organizers and riders get noticed and increase revenue. Fueled by passion, Heather Wilson, CEO, focuses strategies on engagement and awareness in order to drive results. Learn more at HighGearSuccess.com.