Last year, the Mint 400 created a Military Challenge in a coordinated effort to raise money and support charities focusing on the needs of its active duty members and veterans. It quickly became apparent that the military participants were not interested in parade laps, but would much rather be racing. Directors of the “Great American Off-Road Race” have designated a new military vehicle class for the 2021 event taking place this December. 

Mint 400 race officials will certify military spec vehicles for competition. The new class is designed for manufacturers and owners of historic and modern military vehicles to contend and showcase these impressive born-for-battle platforms. There is no service requirement involved and you do not need to be actively serving, or a veteran. The new class is open for anyone who desires to enter into the race with a military spec vehicle. Additionally the attached Mint 400 Military Challenge will again provide opportunity to raise funds for worthy causes benefiting service members.

• The Mint 400 has created the first dedicated class for Military Vehicle Desert Racing
• The class is designed to pay tribute to off-road racing heritage and honor current service members
• Open to all current Mil Spec vehicles – Class rules to be announced

Matt Martelli, Mint 400 Co-Owner and CEO, stated “Most of us will never get to see these amazing machines up close, let alone in action – but The Mint 400 is the perfect proving ground to showcase these vehicles, which are used by our military to defend our freedom.” 

The new class grew out of the Mint 400 Military Challenge Program.

Several military vehicles competed at last year’s Mint 400 as part of the Military Challenge program. The list included an attachment of Green Berets from the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) who raced an unmodified General Dynamics Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1s. A vintage Flyer 22 Vintage Military Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) manufactured by Flyer Defense and a 1988 AM General M998 High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) also known as a Humvee which were fielded by the Warfighter Made organization. These entries came about as a last minute opportunity without a typical rule structure in place, and more of a “come and run what you brung” deal. Mint 400 Technical Director Bill Savage is working alongside with the Martelli Brothers to iron out proper classifications that will help cement this all into place.

Last year’s Mint 400 Military Challenge laid down the foundation for a designated military vehicle class to come together. It all happened to benefit several worthy causes. The race teams competing in the inaugural Mint 400 Military Challenge raised $104,689 with 100% of the proceeds going directly to charities and foundations addressing the needs of active duty members and veterans. We can hope that with the opportunity to see more military vehicle’s racing, we will see even more funds being generated to help our soldiers.