use, and if they're really large,
storage becomes a significant
problem. They are remarkably
handy, though, for transporting
multiple bikes or a lot of equip-
ment and supplies or for camping
at a remote track with, um, rustic
accommodations.
I've done a lot of these. I've
trailered bikes to the track behind
a Nissan Sentra, trucked them in
a GMC Sonoma, rented box vans,
and purchased my share of stan-
dard full-size vans. Of all the op-
tions, the full-size van is the one
that best meets my needs. I found
a dealership near my house that
specializes in selling used gov-ernment agency vans for very
reasonable prices. For my latest
van, I had a simple o-ring in the
transmission replaced, serviced
the brakes and wheel bearings
and took care of minor problems—
for example, the mirrors needed
to be repaired because they had
been folded in and out so oftenthat they no longer stayed in place
at highway speeds. I put four eye
bolts into the seat bases, threw
in a chock, and have traveled to
tracks all over the West Coast in
comfort and security.
And yes, it's white. But I like
it so much that I don't even mind
the jokes...Three variations on the rear-wheel-drive van, including (clockwise from above) a new long-wheel-
base V-6 diesel Sprinter with a full-width, folding loading ramp; a gas U-Haul rental Ford Transit;
and an older medium-wheelbase five-cylinder diesel Sprinter van. Photos by John Ulrich.
RWRoadracing World, Trackday Directory 2019—23