How to transport world-class athletes and their sleds at Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s Bobsled Run

Dec 15, 2024 —

VAL SULLIVAN: I’ve got some pretty mad skills, I say! I’ve been driving for over 25 years. I was part of a bus rodeo, where a bunch of drivers got together to show off their mad skills.

You had to back up to where you’re perfectly straight; you can’t be over the line.

And, I nailed it.

They were very impressed.

SANDRECZKI: Did you place?

SULLIVAN: I placed third, actually. I tried my best, but there were some drivers that were way better.

I’ve learned, just take your time. I call it, “kissing the dock.” You’re not slamming into it and jerking everybody around. 

You’ve got to know the length of your vehicle. What I do every morning is – I learned it years ago – I do what’s called a “pace count.” I count my steps. As I’m backing up, I’m doing the same count in my head as I’m backing up so that I know how close I am, so that I can just nip that dock, you know? Just give it that sweet little precious kiss!

All the athletes appreciate me for that. They love my driving skills, so it really helps out.

SANDRECZKI: People might not realize it, but you’ll have athletes in the back of your truck.

SULLIVAN: Exactly! They always ride with their equipment. You take care of them because they’re their treasures. So, as they’re going up and down from location to location, they’re riding with their equipment to make sure that everything’s OK.

That’s the thing! It’s dangerous enough for them to go down this track. Their sport is really crazy to me. I hear the 81’s (81’s are accidents). I cringe every time they say one because you’re worried about if something’s happened to them. That ice is not fun. You can really get hurt. Needless to say, I don’t need them to get on my watch, so I’m very extra cautious. I make sure they’re OK back there before I take off because I don’t need them getting hurt before they perform and do what they’ve gotta do.

SANDRECZKI: Is it mainly American athletes you’re working with?

SULLIVAN: We do have our have our local USA team. They are my rock stars. I love them. They they are with me a majority.

We have Romania here today that is practicing, but they come from all over and participate and practice here.

In March, we have the World Cup event going on, and they are actually doing the picks for the 2026 Olympics, so we kind of get a little inside dip on who’s going to be participating.

It is so funny because when I get on Facebook with my friends, I brag. I go to the upper finish and I take photos and say, “Look at my office!” (laughs) They’re all sitting in a little cubicle; I’m up here enjoying all this view. Beautiful Whiteface Mountain right there. It’s gorgeous! I love it.

It’s a happy place.

I love coming to work.