Short-course SxS racing has gained significant attention in the motorsports community in the last decade. Upon entering the fray, VanEperen Racing is a consistent front-runner that adds fuel to the sport’s popularity. Thanks to their hard work and unwavering commitment, this father and son duo has become a beloved presence on and off the track, alongside their dedicated family and friends.
Initially, Rodney Van Eperen started his short-course career in a PRO-Light Truck at the end of the 2002 season. After a solid showing at the season’s final race, the team began 2003 with a first-round win in Dresser, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, mechanical issues plagued the team off and on throughout the summer, putting a damper on the season.
During this time, VanEperen’s new business, Powersports 1, grew rapidly, leaving him with little time for racing. Eleven years later, the MORR group paved the way for a new class to inspire young racers to hit the track. The Short-Course Kart class allowed Rodney’s son Owen to showcase his skills and compete against other talented kids. Not to be outdone, Rodney bought a Pro Buggy and was quickly competing for the 2014 championship. The season ended with Rodney winning races but falling just a few points short of the championship.
Rodney kept up his fast pace the following year and won the 2015 Pro Buggy Championship. With encouragement from his close friend Johnny Greaves, Van Eperen stepped up to PRO-2 the following year. During the same time, Owen followed his father’s success with his first Short-Course Kart championship.
The team had invested significant money in the Pro-2 campaign but soon realized they needed more funding to remain competitive. Fortunately, Rodney’s business, Powersports 1 included a Yamaha dealership, and the new YZX SxS was a top-selling item on the showroom floor. The factory approached Van Eperen to start a race program, and the idea of having a Yamaha-supported race team while also selling their Powersports line could be the perfect partnership.
Rodney and Owen have campaigned the Yamaha YZX SxS in various national series. They have participated in Sportsman, PRO/AM, and PRO divisions. The team’s success includes wins and championships, including the 2021 Champ Off-Road PRO Turbo SxS championship.
The success of Rodney and Owen’s race program is a family affair with the help of some longtime friends. Rodney noted, “My wife and my mother take care of the food and other preparations for the crew. My father and Owen’s younger brother are part of the crew at the track. We also have a retired friend of my dad’s, Hutch, who attends almost all the races. Additionally, I have my old motocross buddy, Chad, and another good friend, Jeff, who has been helping us for as long as I can remember. I’m fortunate to have a great team at Powersports 1 who ensure the operation runs smoothly, allowing Owen, my dad, and me to focus on the race team full-time. Everybody has their role, and we all work great together.”
The weather in Appleton, Wisconsin, might be chilly as the snow accumulates, but that’s not stopping the Van Eperens from getting ready for the 2024 AMSOIL Champ Off-Road presented by the U.S. Air Force Tour. Rodney and Owen will compete in the PRO Turbo SxS class this upcoming season. In addition, Owen will continue pursuing the PRO Stock SxS championship.
Here’s a look back at the team’s Champ Off-Road Championship finishes.
