By Kim Kisner, Contributing Writer
For decades, the name Bunke Racing has been synonymous with snowmobile racing, representing a legacy of speed, resilience, and family tradition. From its origins with Jerry Bunke, a pioneer in the sport, to the current leadership of Gabe Bunke and the rise of his sons, Boe and Taylor, the team has carved out a unique place in snowmobile racing history. Through victories, innovation, and a natural affiliation for the sport, Bunke Racing continues to lead the pack.
The Founding Years: Jerry Bunke’s Vision
Jerry Bunke grew up immersed in the world of snowmobiles, with his father owning a dealership. This early exposure sparked a passion that would define his life and legacy.
In 1969, Jerry made his USSA racing debut, beginning a remarkable career marked by unparalleled success and influence. By 1973, he had earned the title of Central Division High-Point Driver, which secured him a coveted spot on the Polaris team in 1975.
Jerry’s career peaked in 1977 with an astonishing 15 feature victories, including wins at the Kawartha Cup, the Alexandria International Championship, and a rare four-class sweep at the Wisconsin State Open Championship.
In 1978, he continued his dominance, securing another Kawartha Cup title and a prestigious 440 feature win at the Eagle River World Championship. Tragically, Jerry’s life and career were cut short later that year. While competing in the World Series of Snowmobiling in Beausjour, Manitoba, he collided with another racer, resulting in a fatal accident. Gabe was only a year and a half old and the loss left a lasting impact on the snowmobile racing community.
Jerry Bunke’s legacy was honored in 1996 when he was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a pioneer and legend in the sport.
Gabe Bunke: The Next Chapter
That same year, Gabe began racing professionally and his talent quickly became evident.
“After high school, I took a job at Polaris and was exposed to Bob Eastman and others who had raced with my dad,” he said. “At the age of 20 I purchased a sled and the minute I threw my leg over it and went racing I knew it was a natural fit.”
Gabe says it was almost like a subconscious thing. “It was something I was meant to do.”
Over the next 27 years, Gabe would achieve victory after victory, including major wins at prestigious events like the International 500 (I-500) and multiple United States X-Country (USXC) titles. His reputation as a strong competitor and natural ability earned him respect not only from his peers but also from fans across the snowmobiling community.
“I attribute much of my success to the people that I’ve been able to be around,” Gabe said. “I was mentored by Corey Davidson and ended up on a team with Aaron Christensen, and also have had years of support from Polaris.”
The Rise of the Third Generation: Taylor and Boe Bunke
Both Boe and Taylor grew up immersed in the world of snowmobiling, learning from their father and the stories of their grandfather and developing a deep love for the sport. In 2012 and 2016 respectively, Gabe’s sons, Taylor and Boe stepped into the spotlight, continuing the family’s racing tradition.
“They’ve taken the legacy piece and ran with it, and I hold that dear to my heart” says Gabe.
The boys have quickly made names for themselves on the professional circuit. Gabe says Boe brings a calm, fluid approach while Taylor is a bit more aggressive.
“It’s been fun to work with them and see them grow and get better,” says Gabe. “It’s mind-boggling to see their natural abilities and how they operate the machines the way they do.”
He says snowmobiling keeps the family together, and now, the three Bunkes represent the past, present, and future of the team.
A Winning Recipe
For Gabe, success in endurance racing is built on two key pillars: mental preparation and trust in equipment.
“Endurance racing is more mental than physical,” Gabe explains. “You can be in great shape, but if you lose focus, it can cost you valuable time.”
He says this approach sets Bunke Racing apart. “Our recipe is a little different than most. My boys are in good shape, but they’re not in the gym seven days a week.”
This mindset ties directly into their emphasis on equipment. “Endurance racing demands not just trust in your team but complete confidence in your sled,” Gabe notes. “You need to know your equipment inside and out. That trust allows you to stay focused and make the right decisions during a race.”
The combination of mental resilience and equipment mastery has become a hallmark of Bunke Racing’s sustained success, as outlined here in their achievements through the decades:
1996 – Gabe Bunke made his snowmobile racing debut.
2002 – Gabe Bunke won his first Soo I-500 with Mike Gentz.
2003 – Gabe Bunke wins first USCC Pro Open Championship.
2004 – Gabe Bunke won his second USCC Pro Open championship.
2005 – Gabe Bunke won his second Soo I-500 title with Josh Davis and Corey Davidson.
2007 – Gabe Bunke won his third USCC Pro Open championship and his only USXC Pro Stock Championship.
2008 – Gabe Bunke won his fourth USCC Pro Open Championship.
2009 – Gabe Bunke won the USCC “Iron Man” award.
2012 – Gabe Bunke won his third Soo I-500 championship with Aaron Christensen, Bobby Menne.
2012 – Taylor Bunke made his snowmobile racing debut and earned 2nd in the USXC Sport and Sport Improved classes.
2013 – Gabe Bunke won his fourth Soo I-500 title with Aaron Christensen.
2013 – Bunke Racing won the USXC “Team of the Year” award.
2014 – Gabe Bunke won his fifth Soo I-500 championship and third consecutive with Aaron Christensen.
2015 – Taylor Bunke claimed 3rd in points in both the USXC Semi-Pro and Semi-Pro Improved classes.
2016 – Gabe Bunke won his sixth Soo I-500 title with Aaron Christensen and first Soo title for Taylor Bunke.
2016 – Taylor Bunke won his first USXC Semi-Pro points championship.
2016 – Boe Bunke made his snowmobile racing debut.
2017 – Gabe Bunke won his seventh Soo I-500 championship and Taylor Bunke won his second title.
2017 – Boe Bunke competed in his first full season with USXC.
2018 – Taylor Bunke picks up first Pro Stock win in Naytahwaush.
2018 – Taylor Bunke claimed 3rd in the USXC Pro Open points.
2019 – Boe Bunke makes Semi-Pro debut at Pine Lake (USXC 2019-2020 season).
2020 – Bunke Racing wins Soo I-500. Gabe Bunke ties Corey Davidson with the most wins at eight. Aaron Christensen earns fifth I-500 win. Taylor Bunke earns his third title.
2020 – Boe Bunke wins first Sport 600 Championship.
2021 – Taylor Bunke finishes second overall in Pro Stock Championship.
2022 – Taylor Bunke wins season opener, Gerald Dyrdahl Memorial- Pine Lake 200.
2022 – Taylor Bunke wins Okoboji 100, clinching back-to-back wins.
2022 – Taylor Bunke finishes third overall in the Pro Stock points championship
2022 – Boe Bunke wins Semi Pro Improved championship.
In 2020, after clinching his eighth Soo I-500 victory, Gabe decided to retire from competitive racing. For him, that particular race marked a pivotal moment.
“I was ready to be done,” Gabe reflected. “Racing has been my life for so long, but it felt like the right time to step back and focus on helping my kids more.”
Now, with Boe and Taylor at the forefront, Bunke Racing is entering a new era of excellence. Both have carved out their own paths, carrying the legacy forward with determination and skill.
For aspiring riders who dream of following in the footsteps of Bunke Racing, Gabe offers simple yet impactful advice:
“Ride. Get out and ride,” he said. “You must love the sport. Understand how a snowmobile works by riding in all kinds of terrain—trails, ditches, lakes. Build that trust in your machine. From there, the sky’s the limit.”
For fans and competitors alike, Bunke Racing continues to represent the pinnacle of snowmobile racing. With a rich history, countless achievements, and a commitment to innovation and family, their story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the sport. As they look to the future, one thing is clear: the legacy of Bunke Racing is far from finished. •
