Doug's Track Hauler

Until recently,  I'd been able to get a spot on my buddy's 14ft enclosed trailer for track days, but he's getting ready to transfer, so the time had come to fend for myself. I wasn't interested in a big enclosed trailer because that would necessitate getting a new truck to haul it with (remember, 771Doug is cheap), not to mention finding a place to park it. Plan B was one of those small, open, $400 utility trailers. The problem there is not being able to leave stuff out at a hotel. I was looking at various used vans, but most of what I saw was north of $3000 or a complete wreck. I was at work and talking to one of my customers about my predicament when he mentioned that he had a van for sale. Long story short, I wrote him a check for $500 and drove it home. I cleared up a couple of issues for the state inspection, rubbed out the paint, removed some seats, tuned her up, and here it is. The cruise, A/C, and power windows work and I swapped a set of Katana mirrors with a buddy for a Kenwood AM/FM/CD. The maiden voyage was a trip to VIR and the White Whale performed like a champ. You can bet I was watching the gauges like a hawk during the whole trip, though.    Overall, I couldn't ask for more from a van that I've got about $750 into, including a set of shocks.

The boxes on either side were made from scrap plywood that was stashed in the rafters of a buddy's garage. I told you I was cheap.

This thing is a boat, but it's more than comfy enough for trips to the track.

The official beer of 771Doug!