We don’t often use pics of vehicles on trailers for our regular Lot Shots features—but, as history will show, we’ll happily make an exception for track-only racers.
So when we saw this Ultra4 off-road buggy being hauled into the Summit Racing Retail Store lot near Akron, Ohio, we had to grab our camera and head outside.
Since it kicks off each year with the fabled King of the Hammers race, suffice it to say, we’re big fans of Ultra4 off-road racing.
From high-speed desert running to technically complex rock crawling, the Ultra4 series is one of the most grueling off-road competitions on the planet. You’ll see everything from factory-backed race teams to grassroots racers competing in rigs ranging from modified stock(ish) vehicles to purpose-built race buggies, across a field of diverse racing classes
Intrigued? You can learn more about Ultra4 racing here, and even catch a podcast with our pal (and Ultra4 racer) John Grounds here.
As for this particular Ultra4 off-roader, we spoke to the owner, Tom Van Shaik, to see what he’s up to.
Turns out, the team was heading south from Ontario, Canada to compete at the “Battle in the Bluegrass” Ultra4 race down in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the weekend.
Fun Fact: Bowling Green is also the home of GM’s Corvette factory and National Corvette Museum.
This #551 truck competes in the 4800 “Legends” class, which means the engine has to be in the front, it’s running solid axles (so no independent suspension), there’s a single shock at each corner, and it has to carry two seats side-by-side. The 4800 class also limits tire size to 37 inches.
Specifically, this truck has a 6.0L LS engine sending power through a TH400 transmission and Atlas transfer case, on its way to a Dana 60 up front and a Chevy 14-bolt out back. Those are 37 inch Mickey Thompson MTZ tires rolling on a set of Dirty Life beadlocks too.
You can check out more details on this Ultra4 rig at VanShaikRacing.com and get the full season schedule at the official Ultra4 website.
Good luck to Van Shaik Racing and to all the other teams, racers, and spectators throughout the entire Ultra4 racing season!
Special hat tips to sponsors like D3 Offroad, Radial Dynamics, TMR Customs, and Rugged Radios for supporting VSR and other Ultra4 race teams.
Thank you for the feature, Paul!! We always make a stop at Summit on our way to the next Ultra 4 race, Summit always has what we need in stock!! – Van Schaik Racing
Thank you for stopping by – best of luck this season!