L-R: Team Manager Mark Baldwin, Bryce Ford, Joel Hetrick and Chad Wienen

FIM Europe has assigned competition numbers to the federations that will be competing at the Quadcross of Nations event on October 7-8 in Cingoli, Italy. Numbers are awarded based on the previous year’s finishing position. With Team USA ATVMX finishing on the top step in 2022, numbers one, two and three have been allocated to the United States. The team’s manager is responsible for determining the number assignments within the team.

“There is always a strategy involved when we assign numbers due to the way the races are conducted,” said Team Manager Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports. “Each moto consists of one of our team’s racers on the front row and one on the back row. We also have to factor in the time between races. Rider number one will have an extended break in between his first and second moto, while the mechanics for rider numbers two and three will have limited time to prepare machines. The races are 25 minutes plus one lap, so recovery time is important.”

He noted that terrain is also a consideration when assigning numbers. Since the team competed at the circuit in 2017, the riders and crew are familiar with the track conditions and layout.

As the reigning champions, the team’s Yamaha machines will also feature red numberplates. Team USA ATVMX will attempt to clinch a fifth title since 2017. 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 each race in two motos.

Hetrick, recently crowned the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion for the fourth time, is assigned number one and will race in Moto 1 and Moto 3. Phoenix Racing’s Jim Hardy will serve as his mechanic.

“I am honored to race with the number one, and it will be the first time I get to do it while in Europe,” Hetrick said. “We have a strong team once again this year, and I look forward to showcasing the red plate.”                

The number two is assigned to Ford, who will contest in Moto 1 and Moto 2. It will be his second time on the team for this international competition. JB Racing’s Jody Bateman will work as Ford’s mechanic.

“Last year in the Czech Republic my motos were one and three, so I had a little more time in between races,” Ford said. “This year, I will be going back-to-back in the first two motos. Once the AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship season ends, I will start upping my training sessions in preparation for the longer race times that we will see at Quadcross of Nations.”

As the eight-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion and veteran rider on the team, Wienen will be sporting number three and compete in Moto 2 and Moto 3. Michael Byrd of Baldwin Motorsports will be his mechanic.

“During the 2018 competition in Denmark, I sported the number three and had great success,” Wienen said. “It’s an added challenge to compete in the final moto of the day with the track being at its roughest, but I’m prepared for it. We have a top-notch team, and we are all working hard to prepare machines to head across the Atlantic to Italy.”

As previously announced, Harv Whipple will act as the team’s delegate.

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 or become a sponsor.

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

Current sponsors include:

Platinum

  • Yamaha
  • 88 Live To Ride
  • SSi Decals

Gold

  • DWT Racing
  • Ford Brothers Racing
  • Phoenix Racing

Silver

  • Adidas TERREX
  • High Gear Success
  • Londerville Steel
  • Ogio
  • Rock River Arms
  • Springfield Armory
  • STACYC

Bronze

  • Baldwin Motorsports
  • Binky’s Forever ATC
  • Geneseo Brewery
  • HuntScapes
  • Impact Solutions
  • JB Racing
  • Mechanix Wear
  • MX Tire
  • PEP
  • Ripitup Films
  • Rockwell
  • Score Processing
  • TDR Motorsports
  • Tucker Freight Lines
  • Wienen Motorsports

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 Team USA ATVMX
Team USA ATVMX was established in 2017 by Harv Whipple. The team fielded three riders to compete in the Quadcross of European Nations that same year. The team won the title in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. The team did not compete in the event during 2020 or 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.