It is often said about racing car drivers that they have several lives. Belgium’s Dirk Vermeersch, a former driver himself, is living proof that they do. An erstwhile taxi driver, he soon shifted gears, opting for a career on the racing track. Due to a serious accident, however, his career came to a screeching halt, and he was forced to live at nature’s pace, under the French sun, surrounded by vineyards. Recently, he has switched his allegiance from Bacchus to the nectar of barley, launching into a new career as a brewer.
1977 Barely two years after starting his career as a racing driver, Dirk had already climbed to the highest step of the podium, winning the first 24 Hours of Zolder. His life in the fast lane, however, would come to a grinding halt after a rally accident in 1986. Dirk was forced to leave the racing track and take up a more sedentary life as a car dealer, selling mostly top Italian makes such as Lancia and Maserati.Returning to his roots: 2020 With the new generation at the helm, Dirk knew that his wine business was in good hands and that it was time to contemplate another plan. Retirement maybe? Dirk returned to Belgium and soon started to get bored. So, what is there to do in Belgium? Make beer of course!
The beer industry was not entirely uncharted territory for someone who had the colours of Carling Beer on his first ever podium at 24 hours Spa-Francorchamps and had the logo of Westmalle Trappist on his Racesuit in Daytona. His circle of friends also includes former Witkap brewer (Brasschaat), Gunther Luyten. But to become a brewer oneself is a whole new ball game. After six months of self-teaching, an online brewing course – due to Covid – and some experiments, he was ready to release his LePlan Triple.
The LePlan Brewery? You can now find it in Westmalle. After brewing our beloved "gypsy" recipes at friendly breweries for a while, we finally decided to open our own brewery in Westmalle.
At this brewery, LePlan produces a wide range of specialty artisanal craft beers, perfectly in line with the world-famous Belgian beers. Inspired by tradition, but with a unique twist: ready to try it?