by: Ken Hill
TimeWednesday, April 24, 2024 | 11:10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Echeconnee ATVMX National Race Report
Hetrick Remains Undefeated After Three Rounds
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 24, 2024) - Round three of the 2024 ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX) Series, an AMA National Championship, headed to Lizella, Georgia to provide yet another action packed weekend of ATVMX racing on the sands of the Echeconnee MX facility as the series returned to this iconic venue after several years. The shifting sands did not disappoint as the weather provided a stellar weekend of racing under sunny skies and moderate temperatures.
Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick came into the 2024 season prepared to lock horns with his number one rival Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen, but as fate would place Wienen on the injured list it would leave the season wide open with no rider coming close in the opening rounds to match Hetrick's explosive speed. This round would see more of the complete domination that Hetrick had in store and wasted no time in either moto taking the lead and the wins that propelled him to the overall win and taking one more step to another championship season as he secured his 60th overall win.
For those behind the number one plate, each moto may indeed bring the chance for glory however the fight has yet to be for a win it is for a podium finish making things interesting as the war plays out behind the leader. The fact isn’t that Hetrick is untouchable, it’s the fact that there is a load of talent on the track whose triumphs are being over shadowed by a legend in the making. New talent is mixing with veteran racers as the never ending battle between youthful enthusiasm and cagey warriors of past seasons sort things out lap after lap. While it appears there is no stopping Hetrick, those racing for the top overall spots are trailing probably one of if not the fastest rider ever to pilot an ATV and that could set up a master class of talent in coming seasons.
Ford Brothers Racing/FXR/SSi Decals/CST’s Bryce Ford is riding the line between a still up and comer and the reality that he has multiple seasons under his belt. Ford put in an impressive ride here at Echeconnee and strolled out of the event after earning second on the day. Ford continues to prove he is developing the speed to remain up front and the ability to remain there even when under pressure as he raced from eighth to second in moto one.
A swap of positions from the second round would see Westland Motorsports/JH Racing/Goldspeed Tires/PEP/Musick Racing’s Brandon Hoag fall to third behind Ford as the pair seems to be emerging into the fight to watch as each is making strides towards the overall position if they can somehow close the gap and take the fight to Hetrick. Hoag appears to be gaining whatever he had been missing in his program and should remain a top finisher as the season moves into new venues.
It’s ironic that ML2 Motorsports/Walsh Race Craft/Maxxis/Yamaha’s Max Lindquist finished fourth as he is now in his fourth year as a pro. Lindquist is a solid rider whose talent runs deep yet he has been unable to capitalize in any huge way to make that jump from rookie to veteran. Glimmers of hope have shown through, and he is held in high regard throughout the pro ranks as he continues to march forward taking the highs and lows in stride. This season appears to have a different tone to it however and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if we see him start battling for a podium finish as the season gets cranked up.
Taking the fifth spot at round three would be GennUSA Racing/SSi Decals/Kenda/Action Off-Road’s Nick Gennusa as he struggles with breaking into the front runners and earning the finishes he is capable of. Gennusa should be battling for a podium position at every round, yet he once again finds himself reaching deep to roll out of the weekend with anything he would deem to be proud of. Gennusa is a rider caught between things as the talent around him rises and keeps him searching for every ounce of speed he can find to fend them off.
The overall vibe was positive as this iconic track did not disappoint and provided a great weekend of intense racing. The question still remains, who can not only run down Hetrick but who can get past him and bust his winning streak. Those looking for answers will be watching as the series heads north to Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana as the next round gets ready for what will be another exciting race.
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.
- Facebook: @atvmotocross
- Instagram: @atvmotocross
- Twitter: @atvmxdotcom
- YouTube: @atvmotocross
Echeconnee Results and Points Standings
Lizella, Georgia
Round 3 of 10
Saturday, April 20, 2024
AMA Pro Class Event Results:
- Joel Hetrick (1-1)
- Bryce Ford (2-2)
- Brandon Hoag (3-3)
- Max Lindquist (8-4)
- Nicholas Gennusa (6-5)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (5-7)
- Mason Jackson (10-6)
- Westley Wolfe (4-15)
- Kevin Saar (12-8)
- Cody Ford (11-9)
Overall National Championship Standings:
- Joel Hetrick (123)
- Bryce Ford (104)
- Brandon Hoag (104)
- Nicholas Gennusa (81)
- Max Lindquist (78)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (73)
- Westley Wolfe (73)
- Mason Jackson (60)
- Cody Ford (56)
- Joseph Chambers (52)
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.
Media Contact:
Kayla Bolton
Media Manager
[email protected]