Fenton, MI — April 21, 2020
You know we love the sport of motocross. The Lasco Press coverage of Monster Energy AMA Supercross is one of our most popular features. Keeping tabs on major events, midwest motos, and local riders is all a part of the articles we publish.
By the response from our readers, we know that you love the sport as well. Local motocross riders from AMA District 14 know Matt Lasco. Matt rides competitively in the senior divisions and helps support the sport through sponsorships from Lasco Ford.
Here is another motocross article, not so much about a competitive event. But, about helping riders be more competitive in the events they enter.
The Motocross Racer’s Lifestyle
Depending on the level of competition motocross riders are involved in, the sport takes you on the road multiple times a year. To race you need to transport your bike, supporting equipment, and oftentimes family members, to events at distances from your home.
Not everyone has the luxury of traveling in a motorhome, pulling a huge trailer, and making a long weekend of the trek. Especially young families starting out and independents trying to qualify to run on the major circuits.
Matt has seen it all during his years in the sport. From sleeping in the car to stuffing a bike and equipment into a conventional van or even a station wagon. This was the inspiration for developing a MotoVan designed specifically for use in not just motocross racing but any sport or activity that requires overnight travel and the ability to carry supplies and racing stuff.
The MotoVan Concept
The Ford Motor Company introduced its line of contemporary vans for U.S. sales in the 2015 model year. Under the model name of Transit, a staple of the European market since 1965, the brand got a boost with a styling makeover in 2000.
Matt experimented with some interior modifications until finally settling on the current MotoVan design.
The MotoVan is built on a Ford Transit Crew Van T-350 HD platform with a 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine and all-wheel drive. The EcoBoost® engine provides the maximum horsepower and torque for this model which translates to a towing capability of 5,900 lbs.
Equipped with the Adventurer trim package, the MotoVan features the extra-long 147.6 in. wheelbase, extra-tall 6ft. 5in. interior height, 3.73:1 limited-slip differential rear axle, heavy-duty front axle, dual rear wheels upgraded to forged aluminum construction.
The added optional 12ft. 6in. automatically adjustable awning that extends to 10 feet of coverage includes built-in LEDs for exterior lighting. The optional 253 degree swinging rear doors provide exceptional access to the rear cargo area and fold against the rear body panels with magnets to hold the doors securely in place.
The top-mounted rearview camera sits directly under the high-mount brake lights at the top of the doors to the rear cargo area. The camera displays on the optional 8″ Color Multifunction Display that is included with the MotoVan package.
All of Ford’s latest safety innovations such as Post-Collison Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS® ) with Cross-traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, plus the all-important Lane-Keeping System, come standard with this special Transit.
Rear Cargo Area
The custom rear interior design is a key element to the variety of uses a MotoVan owner can experience. The Ford four LED lighting package is complemented with an additional seven LED lights enhancing the visibility of working within the cargo area. The composite floor stands up to almost any abuse. The roof-mounted exhaust fan is operated manually or by remote control.
Diamond planting gives the interior a rich appearance, upgraded paneling and six marine speakers give MotoVan owners the ability to hose down and wash out the completely sealed rear compartment of the unit.
The wall-mounted electronic component controls provide simple operation of the 3,000-watt power inverter and the additional six-cell battery for accessory usage. Three-pronged standard power outlets are conveniently positioned around the interior, with an extension cable to extend power from an outlet on the outside of the body for exterior power usage.
A 20 ft. water hose, included with the MotoVan package, attaches to an outlet positioned at the rear of the interior compartment to distribute water from the pressurized onboard tank.
Interior Features
The driver’s compartment of the Transit provides Ford’s most ergonomic design for comfortable and safe operation on the road.
The enhanced passenger compartment of the MotoVan features richly appointed suede accents to the ceiling, a second exhaust fan for ideal climate control. Ambient and direct lighting give the area a pleasant glow or clear working visibility.
The MotoVan comes with an incredible amount of storage area to stow personal items, a fold-down bench seat that converts into a bed, with pull-down privacy shades that make the van an overnight sleep-in unit.
Awning controls, mounted near the exit by the sliding side door, make the operation of the power extending cover convenient and simple.
How Would You Use the Lasco Ford MotoVan
While specifically designed for the motocross community, the Lasco Ford MotoVan has application to almost any outdoor activity. Mobile office, contractor work center, camping vehicle, tailgate host, stock car racing support van, yard sale/estate sale/antique shoppers, day trip enthusiasts, you tell the associates at Lasco Ford how you would like to use your MotoVan.
Here is a secret. You can have the van further customized to your specific sport, hobby, or business need. Just talk to one of the New Vehicle Sales Managers at Lasco Ford. Call 810-629-2255 and ask for more information on the MotoVan.
Explore the MotoVan with a video featuring Paul Zaagman, the extraordinarily talented vehicle tour guide of Lasco Ford’s YouTube Channel.
