Crazy Mike has an Australian Clubman van that is a daily driver, and it sees quite a bit of track time; but then he has been racing minis for decades.

I would specifically avoid a van or wagon, primarily because of the visibility concerns but also because a mini van is nice to build, sort out, and then use when you need to move stuff about.

If you are even thinking about a roll bar, put a proper cage in and get to the big mini race next year; priorities man!

Longer wheelbase generally feels more stable/controllable, though no idea how that would translate toa track wheree you might want to throw tha back end out more.

Good question!

I realize you add 9 inches of roof but you lose the parcel shelf and rear seat which I would assume would pretty much equal out even though the roof weight is a little higher. I may be thinking about this wrong? Also I would be able to mount fuel cell lower with the van

Not an expert but would think the higher CG weight would be a problem and more roll on turns unless suspension was upgraded.

Also... Full weld in cage would improve the torsional rigidity. So we can take that out of the equation.

Quick question. How suitable is a van shell for a track day build? I realize I gain 110 pounds and lose some torsional rigidity... Other than that are there any major drawbacks? I was thinking that the extra 9 inches on the wheel base would make it turn slower, but at the same time would make it more stable. (These are all assumptions I'm making based on what I have learned through racing 1/10 scale r/c)

I should note that my van shell has the side panels cut out and glass put in. So visibility wouldn't be an issue.

Any opinions/fact corrections/general rants will be appreciated.