World Cup athletes know that performance matters most when everything is on the line. So when Trek's internationally acclaimed mountain bike race team went in search of the ultimate truck and trailer setup, they looked to ATS Diesel for some help.
Zack Vestal (left) with team...
Zack Vestal (left) with team wrench and co-driver Dusty Labarr.
Diesel truck enthusiasts are acutely aware that ATS Diesel of Denver is considered one of the best bangs for the buck. In cycling circles, Trek has earned a reputation for dominating the sport of racing. Together these companies have built a double-duty four-wheel-drive '05 Dodge Ram 2500 that would become the backbone of the mountain bike racing division at Trek.
The truck and trailer carry a 20x40 awning/canopy, 15 race bikes, 200 tires, endless spare parts, tools, promotional materials, tables, and product displays to upwards of 18 events over a seven-month season. The trailer is a steel-framed 25-foot car trailer that's been converted into a rolling bike shop and hospitality suite. The team provides tech support to Trek athletes, showcases sponsor products, and interacts with spectators and consumers on the road.
Zack Vestal, who heads up the Trek/Volkswagen-sponsored factory team, explained it this way: "After towing the team trailer for two years and using the truck every day around town, team mechanic/driver Dusty Labarr and I gradually got more excited about diesel performance. So we decided to get the team truck built to handle the rigors of countless miles with a 10,000-pound trailer in tow."