Before he ever lined up on a starting grid, Mark Junge was just a college student who had never ridden a motorcycle until one race changed everything. Watching the Daytona 200 on TV sparked something that would quickly turn curiosity into a lifelong pursuit of speed, competition and mastery on two wheels.
Originally from Illinois, Junge purchased his first motorcycle for use as a means of transportation. He taught himself to ride and covered over 20,000 miles in less than a year. He entered his first race at Gateway International Speedway located in Madison, Illinois, in 1989 with very little preparation and no track day experience. In the novice B Production class, riding a 1988 GSXR750, he finished the race without crashing, which signaled the start of a lengthy and prosperous career, even though the outcome was less noteworthy.
Inspired early on by legendary racer Kevin Schwantz, Junge quickly progressed through the ranks. He turned expert by the end of his rookie season and began competing nationally, chasing contingency earnings and racing across the country with multiple bikes.
In the mid-1990s, Junge expanded into endurance racing with the WERA National Endurance Series. What started as a side effort quickly evolved into championship contention. By the late 1990s, he had secured multiple sprint and endurance titles, showcasing his adaptability and racecraft. A defining moment came in 2000 when he helped win the final 24-hour motorcycle race held in the United States at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, CA, a victory that led to factory support from Suzuki.
From 2001 to 2009, Junge’s Vesrah Suzuki team dominated endurance racing, capturing eight WERA National Overall Endurance Championships along with numerous class titles. He later added two more overall championships while racing with the Dunlop Development Endurance team after transitioning to AMA Pro competition in 2010. In total, Junge has earned 10 WERA National Overall Endurance Championships, along with multiple sprint titles in the 600cc and open classes.
Today, Junge continues to race in vintage competition at events like Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Turn 14 Distribution, where he enjoys piloting classic endurance bikes.
Beyond racing, Junge has built a respected second career as an instructor. Since 2016, he has served as Chief Instructor for the Performance Track Riding program at The Mid-Ohio School. He joined during a pivotal time alongside school director Sonny Gee, calling the opportunity a “dream job.”
At Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Junge is known for his ability to connect with students of all levels. Whether coaching motorcyclists through their first track experience or guiding teens in defensive driving programs, he finds fulfillment in building confidence and skill with all of his students. He particularly enjoys seeing new riders become instantly hooked after their first session, as well as watching young drivers leave with newfound confidence.
Despite decades of success, Junge remains passionate about both racing and teaching. His deep experience, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for helping others improve, has made him a distinguished figure in the motorsports community and an important member of The Mid-Ohio School.
