BF4 Loretta Lynn 2022 PodiumBryce Ford Helps Team USA Sweep the Podium at Loretta Lynn’s Finale
(Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. August 14, 2022) – Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, is the world capital of motocross racing during the dog days of summer each and every year. This iconic facility famously hosts the most prestigious amateur motocross event on the planet before hosting the stars of ATV Motocross in early August. Motocross all around the world is halted for this yearly occasion, with the industry’s sole spotlight pointed directly at “The Ranch”. More motocross dreams are realized at this historic facility than anywhere else on earth and the memories made this year would be more cherished than ever before after major flooding devasted the area following our event last year, jeopardizing this year’s event in the process. However, the facility was rebuilt, events went on, and the Ford Brothers Racing team headed to Loretta Lynn’s with the goal of ending another great season on a high note.
It’s truly unbelievable how quickly five months can pass when it’s during the duration of an ATV Motocross season. One moment the ATV racing world is invading Daytona International Speedway for the annual ATV Supercross season opener and, in the blink of an eye, the ATV community find themselves at Loretta Lynn’s knowing this is the final event of another season. This is the finale for every rider but a few; for three riders it’s only the final stateside race of the 2022 season. For Joel Hetrick, Chad Wienen, and Bryce Ford, once this final AMA ATV Motocross National event concludes, the focus shifts to the Quadcross of Nations where the trio will represent the Team USA ATV Team in the Czech Republic on September 24/25. For these riders and their teams, Loretta’s almost acts as a springboard to gain momentum ahead of an event that most can only dream of participating in. Ford Brothers Racing (and rider Bryce Ford) would look to bring their best to “The Ranch” for more reasons than one.
Each year, constant improvement is a standard goal for any athlete. This rings true for both Bryce and Cody Ford of the Ford Brothers Racing Team. Following a third-place finish in the season-ending championship standings one year ago, Bryce Ford’s goal was to defend his top three spot while improving as a rider and competing at the front of the class. For older brother, Cody, he was coming off a very respectable tenth place finish in the 2021 season points standings, looking to build on that and continue his own growth as a rider. Both riders entered the final race of the season with their goals within reach and, though Bryce’s top three spot would be a challenge to clinch for a second consecutive year, he would put forth his best effort as the final checkered flag flew.
Loretta Lynn’s is known for unpredictable weather due to the customary hot and humid conditions, but a perfect day and beautiful race conditions greeted the best ATV racer in the world on the finale race day of the season. The Ford brothers mirrored their potential goals with their qualifying times, as Bryce Ford qualified third-fastest on the day and Cody Ford was tenth fastest ahead of the final two motos of the season. As riders blasted out of the starting gate for Moto 1, Bryce found himself duking it out with Jeffrey Rastrelli and Brandon Hoag almost instantly – the three riders locked in a battle for third in the series points standings. However, it wouldn’t take long for Bryce to flex his muscles and find himself all alone in third in the opening moto. The youngster would finish third in Pro Moto 1 at Loretta’s, inching closer to his goal of being top three in the points yet again. It was a strong moto for eldest brother, Cody Ford, as well. Per the usual, Cody raced forward throughout the entirety of the race before finishing in a strong eighth place position at the finish. Just one moto remained in the 2022 season.
The final moto of the 2022 ATV Motocross National Championship season featured some of the greatest racing we saw all year. After a top five start, Bryce Ford found himself in a three-way battle for the entirety of the race. Max Lindquist (2nd), Chad Wienen (3rd) and Bryce Ford (4th) battled from start to finish for the runner-up position. In the end, Bryce Ford would bring home another very strong third place finish in the moto. His 3-3 moto scores would earn him a spot on the podium at the final round alongside two of the greatest ATV racer ever, the 8th podium of his professional career. Team USA riders Joel Hetrick, Chad Wienen, and Bryce Ford swept the podium at the Loretta Lynn’s season finale. Unfortunately for Bryce, he would come up just 4 points short of being top three in the championship for a second consecutive season. Cody Ford grinded away for another solid top ten finish to complete his fourth year as a pro, with 8-9 finishes on the day earning him 8th overall at Loretta’s and 9th in the season-ending points standings.
This class of AMA ATV Pro Class racers was one of the best we’ve ever seen. So saturated with young talent, it’s a dog fight every time that gate drops. The Ford Brothers Racing Team features two of the best riders and young men that the sport has to offer. Comparing this season to last, Cody Ford moved up one position from 10th to 9th and 3 points better over the course of the championship. Bryce Ford moved down one position, from 3rd to 4th, but despite being forced to overcome multiple hurdles this season, nearly mirrored his 2021 season perfectly despite more competition. He finished within one point of his accumulated points last season, grabbed the same amount of overall podium finishes (3), and earned the right to represent Team USA at the Quadcross of Nations. What a season!
“[Bryce Ford] finished Loretta Lynn’s with 3rd overall.” The Ford Brothers Racing Team announced, keeping it short and sweet on their social media channels. “Congratulations to [Cody Ford] on his 9th overall in the 2022 Pro Class. A full-time college student, track worker, and fiancé. He gets [it] done. He’s the guy that doesn’t get all the hype but is a huge part of Ford Brothers. He’s a rock. Thank you for your dedication to the sport and keeping our program on the track.”
What a season it has been, a season to be proud of for both Bryce and Cody Ford. After a long and successful ATV Motocross National Championship season, the focus now shifts to the Czech Republic where Bryce Ford will represent Team USA at the ATV version of the Olympics – the 2022 Quadcross of Nations. Thank you for all the support, now it’s time to end the season with the highest of all highs. Hope to see you in Europe on September 24/25. Go Team USA!
