Description
Chris Vermeulen made his professional racing debut in 1999 whilst competing for the Australian Superbike Championship. Despite his limited experience, the young Vermeulen managed to secure an 8th place standing at the end of the season — a feat that was made only better by a best finish of 4th place and an overall win amongst privateer riders.
After seeing Chris Vermeulen’s early promise, the great Barry Sheene took the Aussie under his wing and arranged for him to ride in the British Supersport and Superstock classes. Sheene also got him his World Supersport break with Castrol Honda. Interestingly, Vermeulen always had a “seven” in his race number as a tribute to Barry Sheene.
While racing under Ten Kate, Vermeulen rode a Honda Fireblade to fourth place in the 2004 Superbike Championship. He finished as the only non-Ducati rider in the top eight, and he took a total of four first-place podium finishes over the course of the season. The following year, he redoubled his efforts, taking his first-ever pole at Assen and finishing runner-up in the series.
Nevertheless, Honda refused to extend his contract. Seeing the writing on the wall, Vermeulen quit HRC and signed with Team Suzuki in 2006 alongside John “Hopper” Hopkins. That season, he rode to his first MotoGP pole and he finished second at Phillip Island in a nail-biting wet-weather performance.
Chris Vermeulen raced the bodywork you see before you at Sepang in 2009. Vermeulen finished the race in 6th place. The race was quite wet and you can find it in action here.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this bodywork is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Chris Vermeulen stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
