Charles Mullins of Hamilton, Ohio flys over the creek jump during last year's Big Buck. More than 4,000 fans are expected to converge in Union County this weekend for the ATV and motorcross races.
Attracting 1,209 racers last year, more than 1,500 are expected to show up for "America's premier" off-road racing series that begins 9 a.m. Saturday with ATV racing and 9 a.m. Sunday for motorcross action. The 13-round race series stretches through the eastern US, starting with the season-opener in Florida in March and concluding with the season-finale in Indiana in October.
More than 4,000 fans are also expected to attend the two-day event that features free demo rides, numerous food and merchandise vendors and of course up-close racing action. Pro races begin 1 p.m. both days.
The races are held on Henry Turner's 545-acre Big Buck Farm located in the Union County community of Cross Keys.
"We try to change things up a little each year," Turner said. "This year we have added some new sections of trail that are very tight."
Turner purchased the property in 1973 using the land for deer hunting with his father and son.
"The first one to come out of the woods usually built a campfire up and as the others gathered around later we always asked if anyone had seen the big buck," Turner said.
The Turner family soon got into go-kart racing traveling the eastern United States. Turner offered to host a national race and the rest is history.
This is the 14th year Turner has hosted the event, which is a boon to Union motels, restaurants and businesses.
"Union is the closest population center of any size and the city's assistance has really helped make this event a success," he said.
The race even attracts Union competitors including Union High School student Jesse Robbins. Robbins, 16, won his class during the last round of the series in Morganton, N.C.
“Depending on how the weather is Big Buck is one of the best trails on the circuit,” Robbins said. “It’s fun and it has some tight trails with a few grass sections and some high-speed woods sections too.”
The Big Buck course presents the standard GNCC obstacles, everything from tight woods, to fields, creek crossings, rocks and hill climbs. It’s a fast, wide-open course, but it’s definitely not easy, according to Turner. Usually, course designers Jeff Russell and Buren Hamrick create a spectacular creek jump where the riders launch off of a bank and over the water.
Miss Union Hannah Caviness will be a trophy presenter to winners and Union County High School's ROTC will present the colors each day.
A weekend pit pass is $15. Children under 6 are admitted free.
BIG BUCK AT A GLANCE:
What: 2010 Grand National Cross Country Series racing, Round 4.
When: Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11.
Where: Cross Keys community of Union County (SC Hwy. 49).
Time: Pro racing at 1 p.m. both days
Cost: A weekend pit pass is $15. Children under 6 are admitted free.
Who: The stars of Can-Am GNCC racing — America’s premier off-road racing series — featuring top racers and factory teams.
History: The first Big Buck GNCC was held in 1997. This year is the 14th running of the event.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, April 9
9 a.m.: Gates open.
5-8 p.m.: ATV Registration (all classes).
SATURDAY, April 10
7 a.m.: Youth ATV Registration.
8 a.m.: Youth ATV Race (one-hour event); Registration open to Amateur ATV racers.
10 a.m.: Amateur ATV Race (two-hour event); Registration open to Pro ATV racers.
1 p.m.: Pro ATV Race (two-hour event)
4:30 p.m.: UTV Racing.
2-6 p.m.: Registration open to Bikes (all classes).
SUNDAY, April 11
7 a.m.: Youth Bike Registration.
8 a.m.: Youth Bike Race (90-minute event); Registration open to Amateur Bike racers.
10 a.m.: Amateur Bike Race (two-hour event); Registration open to Pro Bike racers.
1 p.m.: Pro Bike Race (three-hour event).
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