Hot wheels

Ford spotlighted “project” versions of its new Transit van at last month’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, including this custom job that will serve as a “functional vehicle” during Formula DRIFT events in 2015. The racing series transformed a medium-roof, short-wheelbase Transit into the “ultimate track safety and support” truck for getting first responders and their fire and safety gear to trackside accident sites.

The van’s job-specific features include a customized interior workspace with LED lighting, storage bins for fire extinguishers, tools and cleanup equipment; fire suit and helmet racks; and a door-mounted, flat-panel TV monitor. It also boasts a performance-rated air intake kit, exhaust system and suspension.

“Track vehicles fulfill a lot of needs and Transit is able to do it all,” remarked John Pangilinan, Formula DRIFT public relations director. “The extra roof height that Transit offers really adds a lot of usable space for all of our equipment.”