Desert racing in the United States owns a pretty interesting story unique within motorsports. “The Great American Off-Road Race”, also known as the Mint 400, not only is the oldest and most prestigious off-road race in the country, it is a standout among all motorsports. Shining the glitz and glamour like no other, this year’s 2021 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400, taking place December 1 – 5, should be no different. The race competition is a marked course, nearly 100 miles in distance. Competitors, depending on class will race nearly 400 miles of grueling and treacherous Nevada desert.
Why is the Mint 400 Significant?
Here is from the top racers themselves. The Mint 400 is one of the desert races that everyone wants to win. Anyone planning for the event will begin making preparations months in advance and sometimes years ahead. The Mint 400 has captured individual race efforts in a series called the “Road To The Mint”. Find and watch these series on the Mint 400 YouTube.
When And Where Does The 2021 Mint 400 take place?
With the schedule set to run for multiple days, the Mint 400 will kick things off with an eventful vehicle parade down the iconic Las Vegas strip. Hundreds of race vehicles will drive down Las Vegas Boulevard on Wednesday, December 1st at 3:00 pm. This is something you have to see to believe and happens nowhere else on earth, let alone on one of the most visited streets in the world.
Thursday is a do not miss component of the Mint 400. Taking over the world-famous Freemont Street is a very cool off-road festival. Under the canopy, free and open to the general public, the Mint 400 off-road festival is the best way to see all of the race vehicles, and your favorite drivers, up close and in person. There are autograph sessions, merchandise, and all sort of awesome things going on that makes for a very fun day.
Mint 400 Qualifying takes place on Friday and is open to the public. Taking place south of Las Vegas in the Primm Valley desert, this is your first chance to see the throttles hammered and the cars flying through the air. Racers are pushing their equipment to the limit vying for a front-row starting position. It will be action-packed!
Race day is Saturday. The Mint 400 start with motorcycles heading off the line at 8:00 am and the first four-wheeled vehicles at 10:00 am.
Qualifying Live Stream Starts Friday at 9:00 AM PST
Who Is Racing In The 2021 Mint 400?
The Mint 400 attracts the best of the best in desert racing but also celebrities and high-profile drivers. There are also accommodations for your average joe racers, grassroots efforts, a Military Vehicle Challenge class, an Electric Vehicle class, and even youth classes. The official entry list shows a whopping 382 entries with 642 participants registered. This year’s race will see TV personality Jesse James racing his #52 Geiser Bros Unlimited Truck, and Las Vegas Sheriff and newly announced Nevada Gubernatorial Candidate Joe Lombardo racing in a COPS backed Unlimited Truck SPEC #251. Sheriff Joe Lombardo is also the Mint 400 Grand Marshall and will lead the Mint 400 Parade on Wednesday.
At the top of the entry list, there are 24 Unlimited Trucks with several Mint 400 winners like young gun 2020 Champion Luke McMillin, and multi-time champion Justin Lofton. Going down the entry list, you can see other Mint 400 class winners and desert racing legends like Rob MacCachren, and Sam Berri.
The largest single field shows the Moto-Sportsman Open Ironman class with 31 entries. Most significantly, there are 51 Pro UTV racers spread across 3 different classes. There are also 24 entries listed in the Unlimited Truck Spec class which is known to draw significant driver talent and a competitive field.
How To Watch The The 2021 Mint 400?
The best way to watch the Mint 400 is in person. Event producers put together this spectator guide to help users take advantage of everything offered. The main spectator area at the Start/Finish line includes over 10,000 feet of exciting viewing area. Located in Primm, Nevada right off the 15 Freeway behind Buffalo Bills Hotel and Casino, there is bathrooms, shaded seating, food trucks, official merchandise, beer and alcohol sales, a VIP area, and tons of fun activities for the whole family.
Additionally, there are four thrilling spectator areas to watch the race live from the desert in Jean, Nevada off the 15 Freeway at Goodsprings Road. These spots can be accessed by purchasing a Spectator Parking Pass for your car for $50.00 per vehicle, which is good for both days of racing on Friday, December 3rd, and Saturday, December 4th.
- Start/Finish Line Ticket
- VIP Hospitality Pass
- Preferred Primm Parking Pass
- Remote Spectator Parking Pass
The second way to watch is The Mint 400 live stream FREE. Event producers have gone all out to showcase the action live. Besides live streaming hosted video coverage, this enhanced package includes tracking, timing, radio communications, and a social portal.
Learn The History Of The Mint 400
The Mint 400 is the oldest and most prestigious off-road race in America and is held each March in the treacherous foothills of Sin City. The multi-day event features a massive vehicle parade down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, a two-day festival on historic Fremont Street, and two days of grueling off-road racing on a desolate and punishing 400-mile racecourse. Nearly 65,000 off-road and recreational enthusiasts come to watch 500 race teams in 50+ classes from 25 different states and 15 different countries go door to door, while the Livestream coverage is beamed to over 800,000 viewers worldwide. No other off-road race allows fans the thrilling experience of watching the top off-road race teams from around the world battle for fame and glory, in a festival setting – complete with a luxury VIP section. The Mint 400 is “The Great American Off-Road Race”!
