Team USA Makes History by Winning the Quadcross of European Nations for the First Time

Courtesy of ATV Motocross

Team USA Makes History by Winning theQuadcross of European Nations for the First TimeThomas Brown, Chad Wienen and Joel Hetrick Find Success in Italy 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (October 4, 2017) - The 2017 Quadcross of European Nations (QXoN) took place on September 23 and 24 in Cingoli, Italy. After an intense battle against all possible conditions, Team USA rose to the occasion, winning the world championship for the first time in our nation's history.

Chad Wienen grabbed the holeshot in the second moto and went on to take the moto win just ahead of Hetrick.

- Anthony Brebant

Team members included five-time ATVMX Champion Chad Wienen, newly crowned ATVMX Champion Joel Hetrick, and Texas' title contender Thomas Brown - all top competitors in the U.S.-based Wiseco ATV Motocross National Championship series. The team was led by professional motor specialist, Mark Baldwin, who served as the trio's Team Manager. Each rider topped their qualifying race on Saturday and displayed a new level of riding skills to the European crowd.

"We have been working towards doing the QXoN for the past three years, and it has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA in ATV Motocross," said five-time ATVMX champion Wienen. "We achieved our goals by doing so, and winning the event was just a great moment for not only us but the sport of ATVMX in its entirety."

Thomas Brown, Joel Hetrick, Mark Baldwin, Chad Wienen and Harv Whipple celebrating at opening ceremonies.

- Anthony Brebant

On Sunday, race conditions were near perfect and the three-man team kicked off the first moto win by Thomas Brown, while Joel Hetrick was plagued by a mechanical issue. Wienen topped the second moto, with Hetrick recovering to finish second. Brown continued his success in the third and final moto once the rain began to fall, taking the checkers first and Wienen finishing just off the podium in fourth. Brown's performance was especially impressive where his 1-1 moto tally provided the team with the points advantage to take home USA's first ever QXoN win, ahead of France in second, and Ireland rounding out the top-three overall.

"I was super excited to be picked for Team USA from the very beginning. It was a true honor to represent the USA in such a world-class event," said Brown. "Every part of this team worked hard and being able to succeed and bring back the ‘W' to the USA was a dream come true. What a perfect way to end the 2017 season!"

For nearly ten years the QXoN has been hosted in a different country annually. This unique event spans two days of grueling race conditions held rain or shine. Countries are represented by teams of riders, making this event the most prestigious ATV Motocross team event in the world - it is the Olympics of ATVMX racing. This year 18 different countries sent their best riders to compete for the event win.

"It was one of the greatest experiences of my life being able to attend the QXoN," explained newly crowned ATVMX champion, Hetrick. "I met a lot of racers and fans that really enjoyed our presence. It was awesome to be there racing alongside so many different countries and was even better to have Team USA come out on top. From winning the National Championship, Team USA winning the QXoN and marrying my best friend just this past weekend, 2017 will be hard to top!"

Joel Hetrick rebounded from a mechanical issue in the first moto with a second place result in the second moto.

- Anthony Brebant

"When we first started talking about this race, I knew right away that our team would be dominant as far as speed and ability. I know from past experiences though, nothing ever goes as planned racing in Europe and it wouldn't be just a 'walk in the park,'" explained team manager, Baldwin, "We did the absolute best we could trying to prepare for the unexpected and luckily ended the weekend with only a few technical hiccups. Thomas, Joel, and Chad kept all four wheels on the ground and got through the weekend without injury. I feel like coming out on top at QXoN was a product of proper preparation by the entire team, sponsors, and contributions from ATV enthusiasts backing our efforts. We had such an amazing support group! That played a big role in our success and I would like to say thank you to everyone who made this first Team USA ATV MX possible." 

Thomas Brown's impressive 1-1 moto scores played a huge role in Team USA's first win.

- Anthony Brebant

Team USA is making plans to attend the 2018 QXoN to be held in Denmark. To donate to the 2018 efforts, click HERE. For more information on the QXoN event, visit the website HERE. Join the conversation on the team's Facebook page and follow the official Instagram.

About the Wiseco ATV Motocross National Championship

The Wiseco ATV Motocross National Championship presented by CST Tires, an AMA National Championship, is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, hosted at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 10-round 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. 

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