The Toyota Hiace is hugely practical, sensible, and a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to choosing a van. However, one thing it isn’t is quick. Besides, why does it have to be fast? Sure, it needs to shuttle people and haul parcels on time, but it doesn’t really need a 0 to 100kph time that can match a GR86.
However, that never stopped a couple of speed freaks in Thailand from shoving a few chilis up the van’s exhaust pipe. For those who know, Thailand has become the de facto hotspot for diesel drag racing. So from Hiaces, Hiluxes, and Fortuners, as long as it’s a diesel, it will hit the drag strip.
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The niche goes even further than that. Thailand also has something called emergency vehicle drag racing. Yes, you read that right. Not only that, these are actual ambulances and rescue vehicles. To be part of it, the said vehicle must be registered as such. How is an event like this even possible? Here’s a quick explanation.
See, most ambulances and rescue vehicles there are driven and owned by volunteers. These private-owned response vehicles are ready at a moment’s notice. As government-owned ambulances aren’t always accessible, it’s up to these volunteers to lend a helping hand. Perhaps inevitably, someone thought that, to get to scenes faster, they need a tuned engine. Let’s just say it snowballed from there.
Of course, the most common ambulance platform in Thailand is the Toyota Hiace, and some are modified extensively inside and out. There’s bigger turbos, drag radials, big brake kits, and even carbon fiber panels. It’s not just Hiaces that get this sort of treatment too. You’ll also spot Hiluxes, D-Max pickups, and a couple of Tritons as well.
Want to see the full scope of the madness? Check out the video below.
