Decker, Hetrick and Lindquist Seek Team’s Seventh International Title

Joel Hetrick will be on the team for the seventh time. Photo credit: Ripitup Films

Members of the AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team have arrived in France ahead of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Quadcross of Nations event on September 26-27. Decker Training Facility/K5 Motorsports/Walsh Race Craft’s Zack Decker, Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick and ML2 Motorsports/Walsh Race Craft/Yamaha’s Max Lindquist will attempt to secure the team’s seventh international title as they compete against 11 other countries. On Saturday, the trio will each contest in a qualifying moto, aboard their Yamaha YFZ450R machines, against one member from every competing country to determine gate pick for the following day. Competitors will each run two 25-minute motos on Sunday, with the team’s five best scores combined for an overall finish position. Each moto will feature one of the U.S. team’s racers on the front row and one on the back row, while the third rider sits out. The FIM World Championship event in Dardon, France, will see the U.S. riders compete in the following motos: • Moto 1: Lindquist and Hetrick • Moto 2: Hetrick and Decker • Moto 3: Decker and Lindquist Fans can download the Sportity app and enter password “SQXoN2026” to access event information and go to FIM-MOTO.TV to watch the livestream for less than $28. U.S. supporters can catch the action at the following times: Qualifying – Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Racing – Sunday at 5 a.m. Eastern

Team Manager Mark Baldwin says the team is seeking redemption this year. Photo credit: Ripitup Films

Team Manager Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports has guided the team to six championships and a runner-up result since 2017.

“We’re coming to Quadcross of Nations seeking redemption this year,” said Team Manager Mark Baldwin. “Zack, Joel and Max have physically and mentally prepared themselves to face tough competitors on the global stage, and I know they will be strong ambassadors for the U.S. throughout our time overseas. The three will be giving their best efforts to win their motos and collectively bring home the trophy. We know that U.S. fans are counting on us to reclaim the FIM title.”

Wayne Eller of Phoenix Racing will serve as the crew chief. His background includes more than a decade serving as a crew chief for Phoenix Racing’s Grand National Cross Country series efforts.

“This event is a great opportunity for the U.S. riders to show the world how strong ATV athletes are in the states,” said Crew Chief Wayne Eller. “In August, I was in France supporting U.S. riders at the 72 Hours of Pont-de-Vaux race. I look forward to bringing that knowledge to support this team. It’s an honor to be selected for this role.”

Zack Decker will compete overseas for the second time this year after finishing first in the FIM Quadcross World Championship in Poland. Photo credit: Ripitup Films

The U.S. lineup brings a mix of experience to France, with Decker and Lindquist making their Quadcross of Nations debuts alongside veteran team member Hetrick. Decker, an AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship competitor and racer with international experience, will sport the No. 6. Decker’s mechanic will be Kevin Kerrn.

Seven-time champion Joel Hetrick hopes to help guide the team to victory. Photo credit: Ripitup Films

Recently crowned the 2026 AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Champion, Hetrick will contest at the event for the seventh time. The seven-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Champion will display No. 5 on his machine, and Grayson Eller will serve as his mechanic.

Max Lindquist will display the No. 4 at the event. Photo credit: Ripitup Films

After finishing third in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship this year, Lindquist will display the No. 4 on his ATV, and his father, Fran Lindquist, will support him as his mechanic.

All three riders will compete aboard Yamaha YFZ450R machines, continuing the manufacturer’s longstanding support of the team at the international event.

“Yamaha is proud to continue our support of the U.S. team on the championship-winning YFZ450R at this year’s Quadcross of Nations,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s amateur MX, ATV, and Off-Road Coordinator. “It is only fitting that they will be representing on a vehicle that is assembled here in the USA. Many of the performance parts they will be using are also produced here in the country. We have sent another very strong team, and we remain confident they will represent the United States at the highest level.”

The team is backed by a variety of sponsors that make the team’s participation in the event possible.

Platinum – $10,000 & VIP Hospitality

  • Yamaha
  • DWT Tires
  • SSi Decals

    Gold – $5,000

    • Phoenix Racing
    • Rock River Arms
    • Springfield Armory

    Silver – $2,500

    • Adidas Terrex
    • Binky’s Forever ATC
    • High Gear Success
    • Mechanix Wear
    • Rockwell

    Bronze – $1,000

    • 4 Liberty Motorsports
    • Baldwin Motorsports
    • D&W Cycle Specialties
    • JB Racing
    • Ripitup Films
    • Score Processing

      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.

      About The Team The AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team (formerly referred to as Team USA ATVMX) is an independently operated program established in 2017 by Harv Whipple to field three riders from the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship in the FIM Quadcross of Nations. Although the team is comprised of riders from the championship, it is privately owned, operated and funded. The American Motorcyclist Association serves as the official federation by submitting the U.S. team’s entry to the FIM. The team’s record includes championships from 2017-2019 and 2022-2024. It did not compete during 2020-2021 due to the pandemic. The team also secured silver in 2025.
      About High Gear Success High Gear Consulting LLC DBA High Gear Success is a motorsports marketing and operations agency that works with event organizers, racers and industry companies to elevate brand recognition, improve operations and increase revenue. Headquartered in Pataskala, Ohio, the firm focuses on strategic communications, audience and partner engagement, and event operations. Founded by Heather Wilson Schiltz, the firm draws on her lifelong industry experience and relationship-driven, results-oriented approach. Learn more at HighGearSuccess.com.