Drag race, sure. Don't think the commer would have much of a chance unless the beast was fully Team JPC'd up, but I could only think of 1 kind of race involving a handkerchief... maybe 2 at a push 
Steve, the Beast is a wonderful old bus and I especially like the retractable sidestep. However, it should be renamed The Slug, as it is compromised by a whistling exhaust manifold and a three speed automatic 'box. The Commer could 'ave it any day, any time.
I know this because I went in the Beast with the boys to Sainsburys on sunday morning for brekky. You declined to join us, if you remember, choosing to feast upon heaven knows what else was available in the back of the Commer that morning.