While fondly looking through old racing photos for a #throwbackthursday social media post, I realized there was a commonality in many of the shots. Consistently in the background, stable and reliable; behind motorcycles and tools; behind spare parts and rain tires; amidst exhaust smoke and surrounded by smiles, greasy hands and laughter, was the minivan.
The minivan — or converted ambulance, transformed hearse, repurposed food truck, or rebuilt camper — is so much more than just a cheap, janky vehicle. These race vans represent determination, drive, courage, and a willingness to risk everything to follow a dream. Privateers understand this deeply; professional racers will likely remember when they first started chasing their dreams in similar vehicles.