by: Ken Hill
TimeThursday, August 18, 2022 | 12:35 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hetrick Earns Third AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship
The Championship Battles Went Down to The Finale in Tennessee
HURRICANE MILLS, Tenn. (August 17, 2022) – The final round of the 2022 ATV Motocross National Championship Series (ATVMX), an AMA National Championship, once again pitted Phoenix Racing/CST Tires/Elka/Moose Racing’s Joel Hetrick and Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen in a final battle to secure the number one plate. The pressure this year, thanks to a small cushion in points, laid all on the returning multi-time champion, Wienen, who had to be perfect in each moto as well as his competitor having a catastrophic meltdown. The chances of Wienen being perfect was not in question and the chances of anything keeping Hetrick from having a solid finish in either moto was almost ludicrous to consider. The only question that remained was if Hetrick would try and seal the deal in the opening moto or play it safe until the second moto came about.
The weather worked in everyone’s favor as very moderate temperatures graced the region with ample sunshine on hand to offer a great day for racing. The track crew had worked the Loretta Lynn’s soil into one of the best tracks the circuit had seen in many years, with almost a complete rebuild taking place after the tragic flood one year ago in August of 2021. The track was still the familiar layout however the soil was different, and the track became heavily rutted and brutal as amateur motos were run. It was quickly becoming the type of track that favors Wienen and his ability to take full control when things get rough. If Hetrick had any nerves that weren’t already being stretched, he wasn’t showing his hand as the class gated up for the first moto.
The gate fell and the race was underway as the first turn had everyone’s attention. It was Wienen and Hetrick literally battling for the holeshot as Wienen earned that moto one SSi Decals Holeshot Award by a mere inch or two. That lead wouldn’t last long as Hetrick exploded into first and was showing his fans he was going to take this victory and the championship his way! Wienen was doing all he could through the majority of the moto and held second convincingly over a very hard charging Bryce Ford who was having a great race.
The checkered flag came out and it indeed would be Hetrick proudly taking the win and with his efforts, sealed the deal on the Pro championship. The celebrations were everywhere as the team, fans and fellow racers all wanted to make sure they showed their excitement and pride after another season that was incredibly close. While the mood was light and cheerful, there was one moto left and everyone wanted to close the season with a solid effort.
Moto two was electric as the fans continued to cheer for their champion as the gate dropped sending the sound of high horsepower digging for traction through the ranch. Max Lindquist had grabbed himself the holeshot and was powering his way to the lead bringing Hetrick and Wienen into the ten commandments. Lindquist was riding well and was showing everyone what he had and what we might expect next season as he outpaced the two fastest ATV motocross racers in the world. His run up front would come to an end at the end of the ten commandments as Hetrick took over the lead. Lindquist now had Wienen on his grab bar who in turn was being pressured by Bryce Ford setting up a situation where Wienen was unable to set up a pass to try and reel in Hetrick. In a flash, Wienen was in second as Lindquist sat along the track with a broken throttle cable leaving the door wide open for the front runners as his day was over.
Moto two would end with Hetrick thing the weekend going 1-1 for the overall, a holeshot, fastest qualifier and locking up the championship fulfilling his year long quest to regain the number one plate. For Wienen, the weekend was bittersweet after keeping things close all season only to watch it all fade away here at the final round. The Wienen crew was upbeat and relieved, but the competitiveness was as strong as ever and they were already discussing what they needed to work on for the 2023 season.
B. Ford had a solid race here at Loretta Lynn’s going 3-3 for third after a great showing. Ford is still young and has shown he has the speed needed to run upfront and will no doubt be a threat in future seasons.
Nick Gennusa went 6-4 for fourth overall as he still seems to be struggling however his second half of the season has really shown his abilities even if the results did not show his efforts.
Going 5-6 for fifth was Brandon Hoag who stated he was having some issues with his back, and it affected his performance here. Hoag has all he needs to be a podium contender and finishes the season 3rd in points.
While the season may be over, the work never ends as these teams and riders work endlessly in the off season to bring all the excitement we enjoy to the next season of ATV Motocross. The season closes on a high note with a new champion to carry into the 2023 season.
For more information on the ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the series official website at www.atvmotocross.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.
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Loretta Lynn Overall Results and Points
Hurricane Mills, Tennessee
Round 10 of 10
Saturday, August 13, 2022
AMA Pro Class Event Results:
- Joel Hetrick (1-1)
- Chad Wienen (2-2)
- Bryce Ford (3-3)
- Nicholas Gennusa (6-4)
- Brandon Hoag (5-6)
- Logan Stanfield (7-8)
- Max Lindquist (4-12)
- Cody Ford (8-9)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (14-5)
- Zack Decker (12-7)
Overall National Championship Standings
- Joel Hetrick (451)
- Chad Wienen (417)
- Brandon Hoag (316)
- Bryce Ford (312)
- Nicholas Gennusa (300)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (298)
- Max Lindquist (257)
- Logan Stanfield (230)
- Cody Ford (223)
- Zack Decker (216)
About the ATV Motocross National Championship:
The ATV Motocross National Championship, an AMA National Championship, is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, hosted at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 10-round AMA Pro and 9-round amateur series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America's largest and longest-running ATV national motocross program. Since 1985, the series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while premiering the professional class. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association:
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
Series Media Contact:
Kayla Bolton
Media Manager
[email protected]