Gabe Bunke, owner of Bunke Racing, split his focus between racing, sled development and managing his race team last winter. He mentored teammate Bobby Menne IV in his first season in Semi-Pro, and fielded two strong teams in the Soo I-500 enduro. The team was also named the USCC Sportsmanship Award winner for the 2010-2011 season.

In the 2011 Soo I-500, the Bunke Racing team of Gabe Bunke and Aaron Christensen finished fourth, and the entry piloted by Jeff Klein and Ryan Faust, finished fifth.

A highlight for the team was Menne’s strong performance in USCC racing. He finished second in both Semi-Pro classes and ran in the Pro class at the season finale and finished sixth, which convinced everyone he was ready to step up to the Pro ranks this winter.

Bunke Racing might add another racer or two to its roster, too. “With all our great sponsors and the way cross-country continues to grow, it seems like now is the time to make that move,” Gabe Bunke said. “We’re looking to bring on a new rider and we have a few guys we’re going to approach. I enjoy working with the younger guys like Bobby and I’m looking forward to bringing on someone new.”