Team USA Takes 6th Title at Quadcross of Nations
Team USA makes it half a dozen.
The AMA USA 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 number plates 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.”
– Photos courtesy of Ripitup Films
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