By Ed Condran
There is nothing like The Mint 400. The annual American desert off-road race, which was resumed in 2008 after a 20-year hiatus, is a bucket-list adventure.
Many are aware of the great race courtesy of Hunter S. Thompson’s beloved novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which chronicles the 1971 race. The book is one of the earliest instances of gonzo journalism.
It’s apt since The Mint 400 is a gonzo race. The colorful and challenging event boasts a range of participants, from Indianapolis 500 winners Al Unser, Rick Mears and Parnelli Jones and actors James Garner and Steve McQueen to talk-show host and car enthusiast Jay Leno and rocker Ted Nugent.
The latter is perfect for the event since he released an album titled “Double Live Gonzo.”
The Mint 400, which is free and open to the public and scheduled for March 5-9, is fascinating. The race doesn’t occur inside the confines of Las Vegas.
The Mint 400 is held in Primm, just off the dividing line between Nevada and California. The antithesis of Formula 1 is designed for the wide open spaces of the desert.
One of the coolest parts of The Mint 400 is the relationship between fans and racers. Before the race, fans can meet the participants. The aficionados enjoy taking photos and shaking hands with their heroes.
The race is on untamed terrain. Trucks deal with flats, engine breakdowns, belt failures and oil leaks. It’s a far cry from the Indy 500 but just as compelling.
Two-time Mint 400 champion Justin Lofton will return. He might not be a household name, but Adam Householder is one of the drivers to watch. Eric Hardin, Tim Herbst, who hails from Las Vegas, and Ryan Arciero are other participants of note.
There will be crossover racing fun with motorsports legend Travis Pastrana trying his luck. There are the unexpected luminaries. Former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher DeMarcus Ware will try his luck.
Veteran actor Patrick Dempsey, aka Dr. McDreamy of “Grey’s Anatomy” and many films and a longtime racer, will compete. The same goes for actor and podcaster Dax Shepherd.
Who knows who will win the treacherous event? But it’s always a good time for racers who compete and fans who experience a race event that is held in an unusual and pristine environment.
There’s nothing like experiencing trucks racing at 125 mph in wide open spaces.
More: TheMint400.com
