Brent Vermeersch Owner
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence in your regard to the sport?
My father and uncle. They started racing in the late 1960’s. The only race my Dad missed was the day I was born.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
1996. The Michigan Cat 500, the first Enduro race that I won with my own race team.
What is your career goal?
Points championship and I-500 win.
How did you become part of this racing team?
Family and friends, wives, girlfriends, kids, and the great people that are involved. It’s a family tradition and I couldn’t imagine not being at the races.
Charlie Wiltse Owner
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence in your regard to the sport?
I went to a couple MIRA races in 2005 and really enjoyed them. In 2009 I went to a few more races and was working with Brent Vermeersch and Ryan Kohl on their race team. I was mainly assisting financially but I loved everything about the sport. This relationship stirred a conversation with Kurt Vermeersch and myself one night in Oscoda during the Lincoln race weekend. WV was formed that summer and we were racing in MIRA for the 2010 season.
I raced for the first three seasons. I had a few good spriny finishes and a couple good semi-pro endure runs, but I didn’t like to use the brakes and ended up crashing quite a bit. This is when I felt my strength would be better trying to build the race team and also be a leader on the MIRA administrative side and also during race operations.
What is your career goal?
Career goal is to win a MIRA Pro Enduro points championship and a I-500 win.
How did you become part of this racing team?
Driving factors are I love snowmobile racing. I love the intensity of competition on these fierce machines on a complete ice oval and great people in our racing world. We also knew we could create a team of awesome racers, mechanics, and support staff (wives, girlfriends, teammembers children) that are loyal to WV and all work hard for the team.
Kevin Vermeersch Owner/Driver
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence in your regard to the sport?
My family has raced since the late 1960’s. Dad, uncle, cousins and brothers. So, I’ve been around it my whole life. But I would say if it wasn’t for my brothers, Brent and Kurt, I might not be racing.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
My proudest moment has to be a second place finish at Soo, but also finishing each race is something to be proud of. I know winning is the ultimate goal, and I want to win each race I’m in, but I also know how much hard work goes into getting ready for each race.
What is your career goal? I’d like to win an Enduro race and points championship.
How did you become part of this racing team?
Charlie Wiltse and Brent Vermeersch had established the team and I was at a race helping out. They needed someone to race a sled so I jumped on and haven’t stopped. Now the race shop is at my house and my part has grown into being co-owner of the team. We have a great group of guys that race and work on sleds and our families give us great support as well.
Keith Gainforth Driver
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence in your regard to the sport? Our family has always been into racing. My Dad raced with my uncles, Vermeersch Racing in the 70’s and 80’s. We also do a lot of trail riding when possible.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
My Dad raced Vintage sleds at a local track so I started racing them at 8 years old. It’s always a fun time at the track with family and friends. My proudest achievement was placing 2nd at the I-500 in 2022 along with several top 5 finishes during the season.
What is your career goal? To continue to get better each year and win more races.
How did you become part of this racing team?
I joined WV Racing on and off for several years.
To a great bunch of guys! Good luck this year racing and be safe…