Three Generations of Grit, Speed and Heart
By Roger Vermeersch
From the very beginning, snowmobiling wasn’t just a sport for me—it was a bond, a passion, and eventually a family tradition. My brother, Larry Vermeersch, was the spark. Around 1970, before I was even old enough to drive, Larry was loading up the sled, hauling me to races, and signing for me so I could compete. At just 15 years old, full of excitement and determination, Larry and I bought our first snowmobile together and raced anywhere our community would let us.
Those early years taught us grit—and they paid off. One of the proudest moments of my career came in the late 1970s when we earned the #1 spot for most points, a milestone that meant everything to me. Over the years, I competed in the I-500 for more than a decade, conquered the Triple Crown, and raced for Vermeersch Farms alongside an unforgettable team: Larry as crew chief, Mac Downing, Jim Jacoby, Dennis Reames, Kim Gainforth, and James Bell as pit crew members.
Family has always been at the heart of our racing story. In the mid-1970s, my cousin Gregg Vermeersch joined the circuit, and in the early 1980s, my cousin Grant Vermeersch carried the torch forward. In 1980, our team celebrated a major milestone with sponsorship from Budweiser, proudly racing under the iconic #1.
From the start, my dream was simple but bold: win the I-500. Building and leading my own race team gave me the chance to chase that dream with everything I had.
That passion didn’t end with me. My son, Brandon, and my daughter, Amanda, chose to continue the snowmobiling legacy. I’ll admit—I was hesitant at first. I understood the risks better than anyone. But their determination won me over, and supporting them became one of my greatest honors.
Today, nothing makes me prouder than watching the third generation—Cash, Memphis, and Copper—carry the Vermeersch racing tradition into the future. Three generations, one legacy, and a family built on the thrill of speed, the power of teamwork, and the love of the sport.
The story continues—and the track is far from finished.•
Racing Through Generations
By Brandon Vermeersch
My racing journey officially began in 2001, at 18 years old, when I raced at Lucky Thumb Racing. Competing on vintage single-cylinder sleds for Team Carhartt alongside my brother Craig and Troy Vermeersch, I discovered the thrill of the track, the intensity of competition, and the camaraderie that comes with it. Those early years laid the foundation for everything that came next.
One of my proudest achievements came in 2013, when I became the only Yamaha snowmobile racer to finish the Soo I-500 — a milestone that will always shine in my racing career.
In 2008, I took a major step forward by joining the Michigan Ice Racing Association (MIRA), racing under Bell Racing with Rodney and Tom Bell. That year, I tackled sprint races aboard a Yamaha RX1, pushing both myself and my machine to the limit. The following season, in 2009, I teamed up with Matt Russell, racing a Polaris 600 Gen 2, continuing to learn, grow, and chase that checkered flag.
In 2010, I founded my own team: Blue Team Racing. It was a true family effort — my dad Roger, my brother Troy, and my cousins Steve, Brad, and Shaun Gruehn served as my supportive pit crew. My sister, Amanda Stockmeyer, also competed on a Yamaha SX 500 as part of our family team. Together, we poured our hearts into every race, competing fiercely until 2015, when we decided to retire from racing.
But racing has always been more than just a sport — it’s a family legacy. Following in my dad’s footsteps as the second generation of Vermeersch racers is one of my greatest accomplishments. And now, that legacy continues with my children — Cash, Memphis, and Copper — the third generation of Vermeersch snowmobilers. Watching their growing passion for racing fills me with pride, knowing the spirit of speed, dedication, and family will keep running strong for years to come. •
Chasing the Checkered Flag
By Cash Vermeersch
Racing has been part of who I am since the day I was born. When my dad was competing, I was only a baby — but I was at every track, bundled up and taking it all in. My family still jokes that I used to nap inside my dad’s race bag during the events. From the very beginning, the sights, sounds, and energy of the racing world surrounded me. With my grandpa Roger and my dad both competing before me, I grew up knowing exactly what path I wanted to follow: the tradition of the Vermeersch family in the MIRA (Midwest International Racing Association) circuit.
My grandpa always reminded me that racing is a dangerous sport — one that demands respect, discipline, and focus. But those warnings never slowed my excitement or my conversations with my dad. Racing was what we bonded over. It was all we talked about: stories from the past, dreams for the future, and everything in between. Before long, I wasn’t just talking about racing — I was part of it.
I started competing at the age of 3 on a little Kitty Cat sled, wearing number 1. Even then, I felt a rush that told me this sport was meant for me. Over the years, that spark grew stronger. In 2023, my cousin Brent Vermeersch gave me an incredible opportunity — the chance to race his son’s 340 sled in Lincoln, Michigan. That moment changed everything. It gave me the confidence and experience I needed to move toward the next step.
In 2024, I reached a major milestone when I bought my own sled: a 1996 Polaris Indy Sport 440. Owning my own machine meant responsibility, commitment, and pride. It also marked the beginning of real growth in my racing career. Since then, my proudest accomplishments have included winning multiple races and finishing second overall at the end-of-season awards. Standing on that stage, I realized how far I had come — and how far I still want to go.
My ultimate goal is to race in the I-500. That race represents the highest level of endurance, skill, and determination in our sport, and it’s a dream I’m working toward every day. Racing isn’t just something I do on weekends; it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a family legacy that I’m honored to carry forward. Everything I’ve learned, every step I’ve taken, and every race I’ve run has been inspired by my dad, who passed down his love for the sport to me.
Preparing for each race takes long hours, hard work, and a lot of dedication — along with the costs, the maintenance, and the patience required to keep a sled competitive.
None of this would be possible without my dad’s constant help in making sure my sled is race-ready and my family’s support at every race, through every challenge. When I line up at the starting line, I’m not just representing myself. I’m racing for the Vermeersch name, the generations before me, and the future I hope to build on the ice and snow.
I’m proud of where I’ve started, grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and determined to keep growing as a racer. The journey is just beginning — and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. •
Life in the Fast Lane
By Copper Vermeersch
I started young, racing a 120 for Countryside Motorsports. That’s where I realized this sport was truly for me. I loved the speed, the sound of the engine, and the thrill of every ride.
In 2023, I took my first big step as an independent racer. I bought my own sled, chose my colors, and picked my number — 24. The moment I climbed on, I felt an excitement unlike anything else. I knew I was starting my own chapter in our family’s racing legacy.
From my very first race, I was hooked. Every turn and every jump pushed me to grow. By the end of my first season, I finished second overall in my class. But what mattered most wasn’t the placement — it was the challenges I worked through, the skills I gained, and the pride I felt carrying on my family’s tradition.
For me, racing is more than a sport. It’s speed, passion, and the connection it builds with my family. It motivates me, challenges me, and inspires me to keep pushing forward.
My dream is to race in the Soo I-500 one day alongside my brothers, Cash and Memphis — and to bring home a win together.
I’m especially grateful for my dad, who always makes sure my sled is race-ready, and for my mom, who supports me and cheers for all of us at every race. Racing may be fast, loud, and competitive, but at its core, it will always be about family. •
Vermeersch Racing: A Legacy of Speed
By Memphis Vermeersch
Racing has always been woven into the fabric of my life. My dad, Brandon, introduced me to the thrill of snowmobiling before I was even old enough to walk. From the moment he first shared stories about his own racing days — the challenges, the victories, and the unforgettable moments on the track — I felt a pull toward the sport. His passion inspired me to follow in his footsteps and continue a tradition that runs deep in the Vermeersch family.
Some of my earliest memories were made at the track. I grew up surrounded by the roar of engines, the smell of fuel, and the excitement of race day. My family still loves to remind me how, as a little kid, I used to fall asleep in the trailer inside my dad’s race bag while he competed. Even then, the track felt like home. I didn’t just watch the races — I lived them.
I officially began my racing journey on a Kitty Cat 120, learning the fundamentals one lap at a time. Over the years, I progressed through bigger sleds and more competitive classes, eventually working my way up to a 440. Each step taught me discipline, patience, and respect for the sport. One of my proudest accomplishments came when I purchased my very own snowmobile. Choosing my sled’s colors and selecting my race number — 01, the same number my dad raced with on the Blue Team Racing team — was a defining moment. It symbolized not only independence as a racer, but also a deep connection to the legacy that came before me.
Racing, however, has never been a solo journey. It is truly a family effort. My team includes my two brothers, who share the same competitive spirit, and my parents, who have supported us through every challenge the sport brings. The long nights in the garage, the last-minute fixes, the early mornings, and the travel would not be possible without them. I am especially grateful to my dad, whose dedication to preparing and maintaining our sleds is unmatched. He spends countless hours ensuring that my brothers and I are not only able to race, but that we do so safely and with equipment we can trust.
My ultimate dream is to compete in the legendary Soo I-500 — a race that demands endurance, skill, and unwavering determination. Every time I line up at the starting line, I feel a sense of responsibility and pride. I am not only representing myself but also honoring the generations before me who built the foundation for my love of snowmobiling. Carrying on the Vermeersch name in this sport is something I take seriously, and it motivates me to push harder, ride smarter, and chase bigger goals.
Racing isn’t just a hobby for me — it is a passion, a commitment, and a family legacy that continues to grow with every season. Through dedication, teamwork, and the support of my family, I am proud to play a role in keeping the Vermeersch racing tradition alive for future generations. The track is where I feel most connected to my past, most focused on my present, and most excited for my future. •