Just out of curiosity, why didn't you just slow down when you got close to the van? You were "winning" correct? My ricer rule book is a little dusty, but I think it says that "He who is in front and must brake for traffic will be declared the winner of the race, even if the opponent is accelerating at a greater rate." BTW, things like this are always better when accompanied by a video.

Congrats on the 'win'. And, luckily no one got hurt.