Fargo, N.D. (March 14, 2011) – It was a perfect way to wrap up the race season for the Bunke Racing team as they scored four podium finishes and two wins at the USCC Warroad 75 and Warroad 100 in Warroad, Minn., this past March 12-13. Both days featured a 13-mile course that consisted of field, treeline, lake and swamp. The course was tricky and became a mix of smooth sections, sharp-edged braking bumps and massive holes that made it challenging for racers.

The team started the day Saturday by landing two podium finishes with Gabe Bunke taking a third in Pro Open and Bobby Menne IV claiming the win in Semi-Pro Improved. Later in the day the riders lined up for the Pro 600 race and the Semi-Pro 600 race. Bunke was set to run six laps but engine problems kept him from finishing. Menne had a great run going before a bolt came out of his rear suspension and slowed him down.

“After such a great start to the day it was a bummer for both of us to get taken out by plain bad luck,” said Gabe Bunke. “Our preparation is on par with the best teams in snowmobile racing and the Polaris snowmobiles we race are built better than our competition, so suffering these types of setbacks is frustrating, to say the least.”

The team re-grouped and came back on Sunday ready to make up for the setbacks from the day before. Bunke started the day with a 4th place finish in Pro Open, just missing another podium finish, and Menne again took the win in Semi-Pro Improved. Later in the day better luck led to a second place finish for Menne in Semi-Pro 600 and an 8th place finish for Bunke in Pro 600.

Warroad is the last race of the season for the USCC circuit and it is traditionally the race where Semi-Pros are allowed to bump themselves up to the Pro class to try their hand with the big boys. Menne took the opportunity to race the class and finished 6th.

“You never know where you’re at until to actually get in and race with the fast guys,” said Menne. “I’m happy with a 6th place in Pro 600. It’s a nice feeling to know that you’re fast enough to race the top class.”

“Bobby did great in Pro 600,” said Bunke. “He’s made so much improvement this year; I think he’s ready to make the jump.”

One thing to note is the Semi-Pro 600 and Pro 600 races are run at the same time and the mandatory fuel stop Menne faced in the Pro 600 race cost him the win in Semi-Pro 600 as he lost a couple minutes refueling and adjusting suspension.

Warroad signaled the end of the 2010-2011 race season for Bunke Racing. It was the first season together for Bunke, Bobby Menne IV and Team Coordinator Bob Menne.

“The entire team has made so much progress this season,” said Team Coordinator Bob Menne. “I’m happy with all the hard work that was done by everyone and we have a lot of momentum headed into next season.”

Bunke Racing would like to thank all of its 2011-2012 sponsors.

“Sponsors are so important to us, they make everything possible,” said Bunke. “We have some of the best sponsors in the industry and that’s one of the reasons we had so much success this season.”

Next up for Bunke Racing is the USCC awards banquet at Chase On The Lake in Walker, Minn., April 16. For more info on Bunke Racing visit www.bunkeracing.com. Follow Bunke Racing on the team’s Facebook fan page.