Bryce Ford Announced as Repeat Team USA Representative Ahead of Budds Creek ATV National
(Mechanicsville, Maryland. June 17, 2023) Budds Creek Motocross Park, located just forty-five minutes from our nation’s capital, is a renowned treasure of American Motocross. Nestled in a valley, this historic venue features a racecourse with everything you could ever want in a world-class motocross facility – including impressive jumps, large hills, challenging off-camber corners, and more. This past weekend, the ATV Motocross National Championship made its return to the Maryland facility for the first time since 2012 – a cherished opportunity for ATV racing, as the track is held in such high regard that it was chosen to host the annual the Motocross of Nations event, motocross’ version of the Olympics, in 2007.
The sport of ATV racing has its own version of the traveling international event that mirrors the Motocross of Nations, known as the Quadcross of Nations. Ford Brothers Racing rider Bryce Ford was selected to represent the American team in 2022. The then twenty-year-old joined esteemed ATV racing legends Joel Hetrick and Chad Wienen in representing our great nation and the trio traveled to the Czech Republic, eventually winning the 2022 Quadcross of Nations title for Team USA. Exciting news surfaced recently, revealing the return of the reigning champions to QXON competition. Come October, in the picturesque setting of Cingoli, Italy, Team USA will once again be represented by the formidable trio of Hetrick, Wienen, and Ford. Their mission: to preserve their undefeated record at the event and clinch their fifth championship since 2017.
Bryce Ford grew up dreaming of the honor of representing Team USA at this prestigious event, so needless to say, the entire Ford Brothers Racing squad enjoyed a shot of adrenaline and excitement entering Round 7 at Budds Creek on the heels of this exciting news. Although storms on Friday evening raised concerns among ATV racing enthusiasts regarding the track conditions for Saturday morning, to the delight of everyone present, the track proved to be in optimal condition for Pro Qualifier #1. Positioned exactly where they aimed to be in the series point standings, both Ford Brothers Racing riders entered Budds Creek with determination to maintain their top three and top ten positions. Bryce and Cody started the day strong with solid 5th and 12th fastest qualifying times, respectfully.
Round 7 marked an important juncture for Bryce Ford, who had secured his place atop the Pro Class podium in five of the six events on the season. At High Point, the only event where he narrowly missed the podium, he claimed an admirable 4th overall position. With an overall win, four third-place finishes, and one fourth-place finish, Bryce positioned himself strongly in the series point standings, occupying the runner-up spot as he entered Budds Creek. This day in Maryland echoed the events of late April at High Point, with 4-4 finishes resulting in a respectable 4th overall position, narrowly missing the podium once again. However, it proved to be a fruitful points day for the young rider, who maintained his second-place standing, holding a 15-point advantage over eight-time champion Chad Wienen with only three races remaining. Podium finishes at five out of seven rounds is still undeniably impressive!
Cody Ford, much like his younger sibling, has been showcasing his peak performance during the latter half of this 2023 season. Following his return to the top ten at Sunset Ridge, a familiar position he had become accustomed to in recent years, Cody arrived at Budds Creek in a favorable position. Similar to Bryce, Cody experienced a day where he yearned for a bit more, as his 11-14 moto finishes resulted in a 13th overall placement in Maryland. However, with three remaining events and six gate drops to come, Cody Ford possesses ample time and opportunities to overcome his minor five-point deficit and reclaim his spot in the top ten. As always, we should never underestimate the determination of “The Foreman”!
“Bryce Ford finished the weekend with a 4-4 for 4th overall. Both motos were strong but had some issues with front brakes and made it difficult to make important passes. [We are grateful to be] heading home safe and standing 2nd overall [in the series points standings]. Cody Ford slipped down to 12th overall [in points] but never waivers in his positive attitude and will fight his way back up. The weekend was extremely emotional with the crash of a good friend, but it really rings home the importance of your role in life. The Ford boys have spent their days and nights at the hospital since Sunday. The human body is a miraculous machine, prayers for our good friend J.L. Opperman as he heals. Thank you to our support system, it makes racing possible and pleasurable.” The Ford Brothers Racing Team posted to their official social media account.
After an intense and challenging weekend in Maryland, the Ford Brothers Racing team, alongside their fellow ATV Motocross enthusiasts, now prepare for their upcoming return to Pleasure Valley Raceway during the Fourth of July weekend. With Pleasure Valley being a site that has witnessed numerous triumphant moments for the Ford Brothers Racing Team throughout the years, they eagerly anticipate the opportunity to create even more memorable achievements on the weekend of July 1st and 2nd. We look forward to seeing you in Seward, PA, in a few short weeks!
