Team USA ATVMX Takes Top Honors at Quadcross of Nations in Italy

Bryce Ford, Joel Hetrick and Chad Wienen captured a fifth title for the United States at the Quadcross of Nations, held in Cingoli, Italy, over the weekend. Team USA ATVMX earned perfect scores in their respective motos at the Bartlomeo Tittoni circuit. 

“The team did an incredible job in Italy against 17 other teams and 54 other riders,” said Team Manager Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports. “It takes Bryce, Joel and Chad working together to collectively bring home the gold, and they did that flawlessly. We are proud to bring home a fifth championship to the United States.”

As the reigning champions, the team once again put in commanding performances on their Yamaha machines — starting with the 20-minute plus two laps qualifying races on Saturday. Hetrick topped the Group A race, and Ford claimed the win in the Group B race by more than 15 seconds. In the Group C qualifying race, Wienen captured the top step of the podium.

On Sunday, each rider raced in two 25-minute motos, plus two laps, with the team’s five scores combined for an overall finish position. The starting line was arranged in two rows, with one rider from each country lined up behind one another.

In moto one, Ford Brothers Racing/FXR/SSi Decals/CST’s Bryce Ford and Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick, four-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion, were mid-pack off of the start and had to work their way into podium contention. With around 19 minutes to go in the moto, Ford moved into third, while Hetrick continued to fight his way forward. By the sixth lap, Ford had gained a position and Hetrick had advanced to fifth. Only another lap later, and Ford was into the lead with Hetrick putting down fast laps to move into third. At the halfway point, Hetrick overtook the lead from his teammate. The duo remained in those respective positions until the checkered flag flew. Hetrick took the win with Ford right behind in second. 

The second moto saw top-five starts for eight-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship series champion Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen and Ford. Starting from the front row, Wienen was able to immediately put himself into second by the end of lap one. Ford held fifth but quickly climbed in the rankings as each lap clicked off. By the third lap, Wienen had positioned himself in the lead and Ford was in third. Another lap later and Ford was in the runner-up spot. Nearing the halfway mark, Wienen and Ford exchanged positions. They held steady, putting in an unwavering performance for the remainder of the moto. Ford took top honors, and Wienen was right on his rear wheel in second.

Hetrick pulled the holeshot in the final moto and was off to a phenomenal start, but the race was red-flagged on the first lap due to gate malfunction. That didn’t prove to be a challenge for Hetrick, as he pulled another holeshot off of the restart. Wienen was just outside of the top five and pressed forward to reach fifth by the fourth lap. Meanwhile, Hetrick was still controlling the race. Wienen soon moved into the runner-up spot. The teammates ran robust times for the duration of the moto, holding the top two spots for the entirety. Hetrick seized the win, with Wienen finishing runner-up.

Ford, Hetrick and Wienen’s dominating scores earned the team its fifth international title.

“It was a great trip back to Italy for my fourth time with the team,” Hetrick said. “I’m proud to be a part of this amazing experience. The fans were awesome, and I was glad to catch up with some friends I don’t normally get to see. I pulled off two moto wins, but most importantly the team brought home gold! Thank you to everyone who makes this trip possible.” 

Ford, in his second year on the team, praised his mechanic and shared his sentiment about a repeat title. 

“I’m super grateful for this amazing opportunity to represent Team USA ATVMX in Italy and bring home the gold for our country! My bike setup was on point, and I am really happy with my performance on the track. I’m proud of my team and everyone who supports us to make this possible. Plus, a huge thank you to the awesome fans!”

A veteran on the global team and in the sport of ATV motocross, Wienen expressed his satisfaction in securing a fifth title.

“Italy was incredible!” Wienen said. “Team USA ATVMX had all the goods this weekend. I’m very happy with our performance and am proud of everyone involved. I’m honored to have been on all five winning teams! The fans were on a level that was so cool to experience. Thank you to all involved who keep this dream going.”

Also supporting the team onsite as mechanics was JB Racing’s Jody Bateman, Baldwin Motorsports’ Michael Byrd, and Phoenix Racing’s Jim Hardy. 

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

Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for September 28-29, 2024.

Team USA ATVMX supporters can also follow updates in the off-season at facebook.com/teamUSAatvmx and on Instagram at @teamUSAatvmx. 

Moto 1 Results
1. Joel Hetrick, United States
2. Bryce Ford, United States
3. Harry Walker, Great Britain
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Moto 2 Results
1. Bryce Ford, United States
2. Chad Wienen, United States
3. Patrick Turrini, Italy
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Moto 3 Results
1. Joel Hetrick, United States
2. Chad Wienen, United States
3. Patrick Turrini, Italy
—

Overall Team Results
1. United States
2. Italy
3. Argentina
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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’s participation in the international event, please contact Harv Whipple at hwhipple@mchsi.com or 309-314-4879.

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, 2022 and 2023. 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.