Why AAS Requires Enclosed Transportation for Race Cars

Race cars represent significant investments in engineering, equipment, and preparation. Even relatively modest competition vehicles may feature expensive components that are difficult to replace.

Unlike open transport, enclosed trailers provide a barrier against direct exposure to road debris, weather, and other environmental conditions encountered during transportation.

For this reason, AAS does not offer open-trailer transportation for race cars.

Our enclosed-only policy reflects our commitment to selecting transportation methods appropriate for the specialized nature of these vehicles.

Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided Enclosed Trailers

Not all enclosed transport trailers are identical.

Hard-Sided Enclosed Trailers — Our Preferred Option

Hard-sided enclosed trailers feature rigid exterior walls and roofs, providing a fully enclosed transportation environment.

For race car shipments, this is our preferred equipment type.

Hard-sided trailers are particularly desirable for vehicles with delicate aerodynamic components, specialized bodywork, and high-value racing equipment.

Soft-Sided Enclosed Trailers

Soft-sided enclosed trailers use flexible protective curtain-style coverings rather than rigid exterior walls.

These trailers may provide a suitable transportation solution for certain race cars, depending on the vehicle, equipment configuration, loading method, and customer’s requirements.

While AAS prefers hard-sided enclosed transportation, soft-sided enclosed equipment may be considered when appropriate and approved for the specific shipment.

Both options must meet our enclosed-transport requirement.

Low Ground Clearance: Why Loading Equipment Matters

One of the most important considerations when transporting a race car is ground clearance.

Many competition vehicles sit substantially lower than standard passenger cars. Front splitters, side skirts, aerodynamic underbody panels, exhaust components, and racing suspension systems can create challenges during loading.

A trailer that works perfectly for a standard sports car may not be suitable for a purpose-built race car.

Hydraulic Liftgate Enclosed Trailers

For certain extremely low-clearance vehicles, AAS may need to arrange an enclosed trailer equipped with a hydraulic liftgate or specialized lifting platform.

Rather than requiring the vehicle to climb a steep loading ramp, a suitable liftgate system can help reduce the approach-angle challenges associated with conventional loading.

Other specialized solutions may include extended ramps, low-angle loading equipment, or purpose-built race car transport trailers.

The appropriate loading method must be confirmed before the vehicle is dispatched.

AAS does not assume that every enclosed trailer can safely load every race car.

What We Need to Know Before Shipping Your Race Car

Accurate vehicle information helps us identify suitable transportation equipment and avoid unnecessary loading complications.

Before arranging your shipment, we may ask for:

• Vehicle year, make, model, and type of racing application
• Approximate ground clearance, particularly at the front splitter
• Overall vehicle length, width, height, and weight
• Modifications that affect loading dimensions
• Whether the vehicle starts, runs, steers, and brakes
• Presence of oversized aerodynamic components or unusually wide tires
• Whether specialized loading equipment is required
• Pickup and delivery access conditions
• Any loose racing components or equipment requiring separate arrangements

Photographs of the vehicle, particularly its front clearance, side profile, and modifications, can also be helpful.

The more we know before dispatch, the better we can coordinate appropriate equipment.

Race Cars That May Require Specialized Transportation

Race car transportation is not limited to one category of motorsport.

AAS can assist with arranging enclosed transportation for a variety of competition vehicles, subject to equipment availability and shipment requirements.

Stock Cars and Oval Track Race Cars

Stock cars and other oval track competition vehicles may feature wide bodies, low ride heights, specialized suspension systems, and aerodynamic modifications.

Drag Racing Vehicles

Drag cars can present unique transportation challenges because of their dimensions, low front ends, specialized tires, and racing configurations.

Road Racing and Track-Day Vehicles

Road racing vehicles, including modified production cars and purpose-built track machines, may require careful attention to ground clearance, aerodynamic components, and loading angles.

Exotic and High-Performance Competition Cars

Certain exotic and high-performance vehicles used for competition may require additional attention to loading methods, vehicle dimensions, and transport equipment.

Preparing Your Race Car for Transportation

Before pickup, we recommend reviewing the vehicle’s condition and confirming all relevant details with your AAS representative.

Remove or properly secure loose items according to the carrier’s requirements. Discuss removable aerodynamic components, specialized battery systems, fuel requirements, and any unusual operating or loading procedures in advance.

Photograph the vehicle’s condition before loading, and ensure that the pickup representative understands any special handling instructions.

A vehicle condition inspection and Bill of Lading should be completed at pickup and reviewed again at delivery.

Race Car Shipping Requires Planning

Race cars aren’t ordinary vehicles, and transporting them shouldn’t be treated as an ordinary shipment.

The right trailer, loading equipment, carrier qualifications, pickup conditions, and advance communication all matter.

At Allstates Auto Shipping, we believe that identifying those requirements before dispatch is essential to arranging a successful transportation experience.

Whether your race car is headed to a new owner, a racing facility, a restoration shop, or another destination, our team can help evaluate its transportation requirements.

Request an Enclosed Race Car Transport Quote

Have a race car that needs transportation?

Contact Allstates Auto Shipping with your vehicle details, pickup and delivery locations, and any special loading requirements.

We’ll review the information and help coordinate an enclosed transportation solution appropriate for your race car.

Allstates Auto Shipping — Specialized Transportation for Vehicles That Demand Special Attention.