(Seward, Pennsylvania. July 4, 2021) – Pleasure Valley Raceway near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, made its return to the ATV Motocross national circuit in 2020 after a decade-long hiatus. Last season, the beautiful facility set in the hills of west-central Pennsylvania, and owned by Jeff Cernic, played host to the fastest ATV racers on the planet for the first time since 2010. The track’s elevation, unique obstacles, and prioritization of ATVs makes this event a favorite for many riders, but no one may enjoy this event more than the Ford Brothers Racing Team.
The Ford Brothers Racing team stole the show the last time the ATVs came to Pleasure Valley Raceway. It feels like just yesterday, Pro Class rookie, Bryce Ford, earned the first ever podium finish of his young professional career (Pleasure Valley, 2020). The following day eldest Ford brother, Cody, grabbed his first win of the season – taking the Pro Mod victory to cap a weekend that the team will never forget! The boys rode a wave of momentum that their performances at Pleasure Valley created the rest of the season, and they looked to do the same for the second consecutive year!
Reigning AMA ATV Pro Rookie of the Year, Bryce Ford, has showed absolutely incredible ability in the early stages of his career. He was pegged as the sport’s “next big thing” years ago and has not disappointed in the time since then. Last season he burst on to the pro scene, and really hit his stride from Pleasure Valley on. You could argue that the AMA ATV Pro Class is as stacked as it has ever been this season, but Bryce has still managed to grab a podium and a couple top fives in the first half of 2021. He’s always fast but has suffered his fair share of growing pains this season – however, he would put that all behind him on 4th of July weekend!
I think the general consensus was a strong showing was likely from Bryce Ford on this weekend, and he started thing off on the right foot by qualifying 4th in the first timed qualifying session and 5th overall following the second timed qualifier. Bryce’s speed has never been in question, but he looked like he would have complete command over his speed and control on this day. Bryce rocketed out of the gate and found himself in the runner up spot between the series’ two active former champs. Bryce stayed wedged between the two legends for a few laps before filing into third and latching on to the two title combatants. Bryce would go on to finish a strong 3rd in the moto, putting him in great position for an overall podium on the day! The Pro Class sophomore would have to work a little harder for it in Moto 2, coming out of the gate 4th and falling to 5th by the midway point of the race. But in the closing moments of Moto 2, Bryce Ford threw it into high gear and made a veteran-like move to put himself in 4th position with two laps to go. By becoming the aggressor and making this late-race pass, Bryce Ford had clinched 3rd overall at Pleasure Valley – the 4th podium of his AMA ATV Pro Class career! The #4 now sits 5th in the championship points standings, just 1 point out of 4th and 2 points out of the top 3 with just 4 events remaining in the 2021 season! To cap off the weekend, Bryce went a perfect 1-1 in the Pro-Am class for his 4th victory of the season and the points lead. Incredible job this weekend, Bryce!
Cody Ford, the eldest Ford brother who is known as “The Foreman” for his workman-like attitude, came into this event riding the natural high of winning this event in the Pro Mod class one year ago. Cody has been riding a hot streak ever since, grabbing two victories and finishing on the podium the rest of the 2020 season in Pro Mod. More recently, Cody has been riding a hot streak of 4 consecutive top 10 finishes in the AMA ATV Pro Class – the longest such streak of his career. The third-year-pro started the day strong, by qualifying inside the top ten in what is an incredibly stacked field. Cody yanked a great start in Pro Moto 1, starting just outside the top 5 and using that advantage to earn himself an impressive 8th place finish in the opening moto! “The Foreman” looking like his consistent self, grabbing a start in Moto 2 that mirrored the day’s opening moto. The eldest Ford brother would race his way to 9th in the second moto, with his 8-9 moto scores earning him an impressive 8th overall at Pleasure Valley! This was the 5th consecutive top 10 finish for Cody Ford this season, positioning himself comfortably inside the top 10 in the series points standings. Great job, Cody!
“[Pleasure Valley was] a ‘pleasure’.” The Ford Brothers Racing team so elegantly posted to their official social media accounts. “Thank you to all the people who stay with [our family] on this rollercoaster journey… Happy 4th of July from the from the Fords!”
With just four events remaining in the 2021 ATV Motocross National Championship season, every race becomes increasingly more important and both boys are making it count when it matters the most! The series will now head east to Unadilla MX in New Berlin, New York, on the weekend of July 17-18. The quick turnaround time is perfect for our two riders, who are both currently riding hot streaks at this crucial time in the series schedule. On behalf of Ford Brothers Racing, we want to congratulate our riders on some great racing this weekend, wish you a happy 4th of July, and we will see you in the “Empire State” on the weekend of July 17/18!