A transport with media hold down is used with an inkjet printer. A plurality of spar links and vacuum links are connected pivotally together to form an endless belt orbiting around drive wheels and driven wheels. Vacuum links have hollow chambers to hold the media sheet against the endless belt using vacuum. At least one spar is received in a slot on a spar link. The spar extends above the link to receive the media sheet. The spar moves into a clamping position by a cam and follower to clamp the media sheet against the spar link. The media sheet will thus pass beneath the inkjet print head without contact. The spar moves into an extended position by the cam and follower to release the media sheet. The spar moves into a retracted position below the spar link surface by the cam and follower to allow the media sheet to exit the transport.