Team USA ATVMX has selected a crew chief and three mechanics to accompany the riders at Quadcross of European Nations taking place Sept. 24-25 in the Czech Republic, and 12 sponsors have committed to supporting the team’s effort to bring home a fourth title. 

The previously announced team riders include Ford Brothers Racing/Fly Racing/SSi Decals/Maxxis/DWT/Maxima/Fourwerx/Walsh’s Bryce Ford, Phoenix Racing/CST Tires/Elka/Moose Racing’s Joel Hetrick and Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen.

Jody Bateman, owner of JB Racing in Pennsylvania, has been named as the crew chief. Bateman has more than 30 years of industry experience. He has served as a mechanic for several AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship competitors, including past Team USA ATVMX riders Jeffrey Rastrelli and Thomas Brown, as well as currently wrenching for Cody Ford. 

“I'm honored to be chosen as this year's crew chief for Team USA ATVMX,” Bateman said. “I’m ready to work with our mechanics to make sure our machines are prepped and the riders have what they need to be successful, and I’m excited to meet people from other countries who have the same passion for ATVs.” 

Wienen’s three-year mechanic Michael Byrd of Baldwin Motorsports will join him in the Czech Republic. Residing in Ohio, Byrd was the 2020 ATV Mechanic of the Year for the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship and has over 25 years of involvement in the ATV racing industry. 

Jim Hardy of Phoenix Racing will serve as Hetrick’s mechanic at the international race, as Hetrick’s current mechanic Gary Schlentz is unable to make the trip. Hetrick’s machine, built by Schlentz, will be in good hands with Hardy, a resident of Michigan, who started racing ATVs in 1984 and has never left the industry. With nearly 40 years of industry knowledge, he has supported pro ATV athletes like Hetrick and Jeffrey Rastrelli. 

Casey Greek, shop manager at Impact Solutions, will serve as Ford’s mechanic at the event. Greek has 24 years of industry experience and has served as a mechanic and team manager for championship winning teams at Baja 1000, 500 and 250 races, as well as the Le Touquet race and World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) races. He was also awarded 2011 ATV Mechanic of the Year in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship.

Previously named as the team manager is industry veteran and motor builder Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports, while Harv Whipple will act as the team’s delegate. 

Thus far, 12 companies have committed to support the team in its fourth race abroad, including manufacturer-support from Yamaha. The company has once again pledged support for the team’s efforts.

“Yamaha is honored to support Team USA in the Quadcross of European Nations, especially considering all three racers have been competing – and winning – at the highest level on our Championship proven YFZ450R in the ATVMX series here in the states,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s amateur MX, ATV, and Off-Road coordinator. “Yamaha’s Side-by-Sides and full-size ATVs are built with pride in the U.S. for the world to relish their capability, durability, and reliability, and we know Chad, Joel, and Bryce will bring that same level of grit and tenacity to the Czech Republic track and nobly carry the flag for our brand and country.”

Current sponsors include:

Platinum

• 88 Live to ride
• SSI Decals
• Yamaha

Gold

• 4Liberty

Silver

• High Gear Success
• Londerville Steel
• Rock River Arms

Bronze

• Baldwin Motorsports
• Greenwald Builders
• JB Racing
• Motomom Designs
• Ripitupfilms

Fundraising continues for the team’s efforts. Sponsors will be featured on the team’s hospitality tent, on the team’s social media and mentioned in future press releases.

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

For questions regarding the team or to commit to sponsorship, please contact Harv Whipple at [email protected] or 309-314-4879.

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