08 was great...will 09 be fine?

[Pappy]

Looking at the calendar, it sure looks to me like we are closing in fast on the 2009 GNCC season! You cant read anything about our sport without reading about how the economy is effecting all of us. Riders, manufactures, sponsors, the companies that put on the series, you name it and its a concern.

[Pappy]

Even with the economy heading into the crapper, Polaris laid out a 99% new Sportsman that will see Rath racing among others competing aboard this all new 70 hp machine in 2009! Will it live up to the task of unseating the Can Am crew?

[Pappy]

Bill Ballance...now legend status if he never throws a leg over a quad again. You know he wants #10, and if I were a betting man, my money would be on him to once again capture the championship in 2009!

[Pappy]

Bithell got his balls busted all season long, and finally pulled off a win. We know he has what it takes...will his machine be more up to the challenge?

[Pappy]

McGill was on fire at the start of the 2008 season, then ran into issues that anyone could have had. It cost him big time but he bounced back and remained vigilant. Will he have the drive he had as the new season gets underway?

[Pappy]

Bryan Cook. The man came out swinging and never let up. He had something to prove, maybe just to himself. He showed everyone he was a rider that could compete at all levels and hoped it would pay off for him in 2009. I havent spoken to him, hopefully good news greeted him in the off season.

[Pappy]

Jeff Pickens was the name many were talking about in 2008, especially at round #2 where he was riding on the ragged edge as he did all he could to get up front. An injury to his thumb cost him mid season but he bounced back. Look for him in 09....I have a feeling he will be pulling well inside the top 10

[Pappy]

Let us all pray that we never see this again!

[Pappy]

If there is one rider that can throw a monkey wrench into the XC1 class, its Ockerman. He has everything he needs to claim the win at virtually any round. He will be the one to beat from the get go and he has to be causing a few pro riders some loss of sleep.

[Pappy]

Sommers will also be ultra competitive. His program is solid, he has the talent and a whole lot of expirence gained in 08 that may help him see that podium more and more in 09!