The 2009 Grand National Cross Country Series bike championship is still up in the air as each of the first three rounds has found a different trio on the podium. FMF Makita Suzuki's Charlie Mullins, GEICO/JG Racing Monster Kawasaki's Paul Whibley and FMF Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang have each won one race going into the Big Buck GNCC, which will be held this weekend in Union, South Carolina.

The Big Buck GNCC could be the tie breaker as riders take on everything from tight woods, fields, creek crossings, rocks and hill climbs. It's a fast, wide-open course and the field sections get chopped up and rough as the weekend goes on, so suspension must be set appropriately.

Whibley had problems with his suspension at the Steele Creek GNCC-which may have cost him the win. Strang has come back from a dismal opening race when he ran out of gas in the last lap to come in third at the General GNCC and first at Steele Creek. Mullins has made two of the three podiums since the beginning of the season- coming in first at the season opener in River Ranch, Florida and second at Steele Creek.

Right behind the top three are a dedicated pack of hard charging riders who will be prepared this weekend to become the fourth winner and upset the points chase. Husqvarna's Glenn Kearney, and Am-Pro FMF Yamaha's Barry Hawk and Thad DuVall all want of piece of the winnings and have been on the heels of the leaders since the beginning of the season.

The championship might be a little clearer after this weekend, unless a fourth rider takes the first place trophy home. Either way, the road to the championship will be an exciting one.

Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.

For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.