Mint 400: The Great American Off-Road Race

The Mint 400 Legacy Shines Bright

We don’t cover off-road racing much here on the pages of Tread magazine, as our focus is on the general off-road lifestyle. However, some race experiences are worth talking about and add to our passion to get out and explore. It’s hard not to appreciate the amazing off-road technology that is developed in racing as well, as much of it finds its way into our builds.

Even amongst the bright lights and chaos of Las Vegas, the Mint 400 demands the spotlight. “The Great American Off-Road Race,” as the Mint 400 is known, reflects both the event’s long heritage and grandiose happenings. The year 2020 marked the 33rd running of the race, with the first race all the way back in 1968 and no races between 1990 and 2007.

When to Catch the Mint 400 in 2025

If you’re planning to experience the excitement firsthand, mark your calendar for March 5th through 9th, 2025. That’s when the next Mint 400 will roar back into the Nevada desert, bringing along the same adrenaline, dust, and spectacle that’s made it an icon for decades.

We were lucky enough to be invited by BFGoodrich Tires, the title sponsor of the Mint 400, to attend this year’s event. We were fully immersed in the off-road racing culture for a long weekend of Mint 400 action. Sure, most race attendees don’t get to drive side-by-side through the desert at high speed with Zero1 Offroad, drive a 6100 Class race truck on a short course at Speed Vegas with Driven Experiences, get VIP hospitably passes, all-access media passes, and a heli ride over the race course. Besides the media pass and helicopter ride, though, anyone with the means could have all of these experiences like we did. It could be for you, and definitely was for us, a truly next-level long weekend of off-road racing action.

“Don’t ever let the opportunity slip through your fingers to experience the BFGoodrich Mint 400 for yourself.”

While we for sure had a blast, you can too with just attending the event and being amongst the action. The Mint 400 is a lot of things, and the race itself, while impressive in all ways, is only a small fraction of the fun on offer.

Lots of Off-Road Racing

The racing is the focal point, however, so let’s dive into that action first. The unlimited trucks are fire-breathing technological marvels that get all the attention at big races like the Mint 400. The reality of races like this, though, is that there is a huge field of racers who span age, gender, and vehicle type.

The youngest racer I heard about at the 2020 Mint 400 was a 7-year-old UTV racer. There is also a youth moto race; it was impressive to watch such little humans tackle such rough terrain.

Women were well represented this year, with 65 women competing in the race. Sarah Price made her Unlimited Class Trophy Truck debut at this year’s race, and was the only female driver in that class. She ended up in Eleventh Place, after some mechanical difficulties.

Race vehicles at the Mint 400 ranged from dirt bikes to UTV to buggie to crazy AWD unlimited trophy trucks and everything in between. There were even old VW Beetles racing. They looked like good fun, but my back ached just watching them bounce across the desert.

Friday’s Racing Highlights: Limited and Youth Events

If you’re planning your Mint 400 adventure and want to catch the action-packed limited and youth races, Friday is your day in Primm, Nevada. The excitement kicks off early with the Limited Race roaring to life at 8:00 a.m. It’s a prime opportunity to watch a stacked field of racers take on the desert and show off their skills in a range of different vehicles.

Not to be missed are the youth races, where up-and-coming off-road stars make their mark. The Youth 570 Race launches at 10:30 a.m., followed closely by the Youth 1000 Race at noon. Both events highlight the sheer grit of these young competitors, some of whom are barely tall enough to see over the steering wheel.

Afternoon brings out the bigger rigs for qualifying rounds, with Group 1 cars and trucks hitting the start line at 1:30 p.m., and Group 2 following at 3:00 p.m. All the action takes place in Primm, making it easy to catch every high-revving moment without needing to roam far from the heart of the event.

Mark Your Calendars: Qualifying Kicks Off the Action

Before the main event storms across the Nevada desert, the excitement truly begins with qualifying rounds. These early races not only set the stage for the weekend but give fans a chance to see some serious competition up close.

On Thursday morning, the adrenaline is already pumping as Class 10 vehicles and Pro UTVs line up to battle it out for starting positions in Primm, Nevada. If you want to see precision driving and raw horsepower fighting for every advantage, this is your moment.

The momentum continues into Friday, with two rounds of car and truck qualifying in the afternoon. Group 1 gets things rolling, while Group 2 follows hot on their heels—both sessions showcasing a diverse field of competitors giving it everything to earn the best possible spot on race day.

Whether you’re there for the turbocharged speed or the deep-rooted rivalry between teams, the qualifying races are a can’t-miss appetizer to all the festivities yet to come.

The Big Show

Saturday at the Mint 400 is the big show out in Primm, Nevada. Behind the Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino there are motorcycle races, off-road and flat-track pavement races in the morning, and an off-road vendor festival all day.

Saturday Schedule Highlights

If you’re planning to catch the action on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, here’s how the morning lines up in Primm:

• The day kicks off bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with the motorcycle race roaring into motion.
• Not long after, the youth classes take center stage. The Youth 170 Open, Youth 170 Production, and Youth 200 races start rolling at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Youth 250 at 8:45 a.m.
• For those eagerly awaiting the unlimited class—the main event of power and spectacle—that race launches at 10:45 a.m.

So, whether you’re there to cheer on the youngest riders, watch the pros tackle the desert, or simply soak in the race-day energy, there’s something for everyone right from sunrise. Midday all the Top Class trucks and buggies gather on the grid just in front of the spectator area, and the fans get a chance to check out the race vehicles up close and connect with the teams. The drivers, co-drivers, and their machines are treated like rock stars. They take countless selfies, sign everything in sight, and get interviewed by TV crews and bloggers alike.

Saturday at the Mint 400 is the big show out in Primm, Nevada. Behind the Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino there are motorcycle races, off-road and flat-track pavement races in the morning, and an off-road vendor festival all day. Midday all the Top Class trucks and buggies gather on the grid just in front of the spectator area, and the fans get a chance to check out the race vehicles up close and connect with the teams. The drivers, co-drivers, and their machines are treated like rock stars. They take countless selfies, sign everything in sight, and get interviewed by TV crews and bloggers alike.

For the big race competitors had to conquer 428 miles of brutal Mojave Desert terrain. The race consisted of four laps of the 107-mile course, with rapidly deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend. Racers took off from the start line two at a time, at short intervals, and wove their way through a short track course right in front of the main spectator area. The big jumps were the crowd favorite for sure.

2025 Mint 400: Mark Your Calendar

The Mint 400 isn’t just a race—it’s a full-throttle week packed with off-road excitement, desert camaraderie, and a sprinkle of Las Vegas flair. Here’s how the festivities will unfold:

Saturday, March 1: Desert Clean-Up in Jean, NV

In true off-road community spirit, the event kicks off early with a massive clean-up. Volunteers, enthusiasts, and locals will gather in Jean, Nevada, to haul away illegally dumped trash and help protect the beautiful desert we all love to rip across.

Wednesday, March 5: Parade & Kick-Off

• Morning: Optional early check-in and a round of inspections for racers who can’t wait to get rolling.
• Afternoon: The famous Mint 400 Vehicle Parade takes over the Las Vegas Strip. That’s a parade of more than $100 million in race rigs strutting their stuff through neon-lit Vegas. If you’ve never seen a trophy truck next to the Bellagio fountains, now’s your chance.
• Evening: Meet the movers and shakers at the Kick-Off Party, then tuck in for the Dinner of Champions, where racers, fans, sponsors, and legends dine together and trade desert tales.

Thursday, March 6: Fremont Street Festival

• All Day: Fremont Street transforms into an off-road playground. Race registration, technical inspections, and an epic festival featuring the latest off-road gear, mods, and swag.
• Morning: Class 10 & Pro UTV qualifying heats begin in Primm.
• Evening: All drivers gather for a mandatory meeting to prep for the big day.

Friday, March 7: Racing Heats Up

• Early Morning: Limited race vehicles blast off the line in Primm.
• Late Morning: The next generation gets their shot—youth 570 and youth 1000 races.
• Afternoon: The action continues with qualifying runs for cars and trucks, setting the stage for the main event.

Saturday, March 8: The Main Event

• At Dawn: Motorcycles take on the course first—always a wild ride.
• Morning: Youth races for every age and machine size keep the crowd buzzing.
• Late Morning: The Unlimited Class trucks and buggies finally unleash full fury on the Mojave. This is what everyone has been waiting for.

Sunday, March 9: Celebration & Wrap-Up

• Late Morning: Join in the awards ceremony under the VIP tent in Primm, where winners will be crowned and stories will be swapped.
• Noon: Volunteers get their well-earned BBQ—because everyone who puts in the work deserves a proper feast.

From desert stewardship to bucket-list racing and Vegas nightlife, the 2025 Mint 400 offers something for everyone—whether you’re racing, wrenching, spectating, or just soaking up the spectacle.

Key Event Details

If you’re planning to join the action, here’s an important note: both race registration and technical inspection take place on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, right on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Registration runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while technical inspection is open an extra hour, wrapping up at 6 p.m.

So, whether you’re rolling in with a freshly built rig or you just want to see the wild parade of off-road machines up close, Fremont Street is absolutely the place to be as the event gets underway.

Awards Ceremony Details

If you’re hoping to catch the winners being crowned and soak up a few final moments of race-day excitement, make sure to mark your calendar. The awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The festivities will be held in the VIP Tent in Primm, Nevada—just steps from the heart of all the Mint 400 action. Whether you’re a racer, team member, or a devoted fan, it’s a great spot to swap stories, snap some celebration photos, and cheer on your favorites as they take the stage.

Sunday’s Festivities

If you’re sticking around for the full Mint 400 experience, Sunday is when the celebrations kick into high gear. On Sunday, March 9th, 2025, all eyes will turn to the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony, which gets underway at 10:00 a.m. inside the VIP Tent in Primm, Nevada. Here, racers, teams, and fans gather to cheer on this year’s top performers and share in a few more stories from the desert.

Later, at noon, the same VIP Tent transforms into a lively spot for the Volunteer BBQ—a perfect chance for race volunteers and support crews to swap tales, refuel with good eats, and celebrate another successful Mint 400 weekend together.

Whether you’re there to applaud the winners or just soak up the community vibes, Sunday delivers the perfect sendoff for any off-road fan.

And the Winner Is …

In the penultimate Unlimited Class race on Saturday, #83 Luke McMillin took the overall win. It took him 6 hours, 49 minutes, and 52 seconds to cover the 428 miles of rough desert terrain. Blown head gaskets, flat tires, and other mechanical issues caused by the absolutely torturous course made the race a major test of durability and resolve for every racer. The lead changed hands a number of times throughout the race, and it wasn’t until about midway through the last lap that Luke was able to secure the lead.

The McMillin off-road racing dynasty is strong. Luke’s father, Mark, took the overall Mint 400 win all the way back in 1988. Luke’s cousin, Andy, took top honors in both 2009 and 2014.

The 2020 podium was rounded out by two-time winner Bryce Menzies in his AWD Unlimited Truck, and Ryan Arciero in Third. The race was insanely close, as less than 10 minutes separated the top three trucks. This year’s race terrain was so brutal that winning came down to the durability of the truck, a bit of mechanical sympathy by the drivers, and good tires.

While Menzies’ AWD truck showed off the latest technology and the future of the sport, Luke’s winning truck was built all the way back in 2014. Luke’s win shows that a proven and properly set up vehicle can still win over the latest technology. The AWD Unlimited Trucks are the future, however, and most top racers are building and testing them now, including Luke.

Luke’s truck was also running the latest BFGoodrich Baja KR3 40-inch race tires. Fun fact, the top spot on the Mint 400 podium has now been earned on BFGoodrich tires for the past eight years in a row. BFGoodrich is in the second year as title sponsor for the Mint 400, with a signed deal already in place to sponsor the next four. There is no doubt that off-road racing is in BFGoodrich’s DNA, and they plan to continue supporting racing and off-road tire technology development through racing for many years to come.

It’s Not Just About the Racing

Before any racing even begins at the Mint 400 there is so much to experience. The event starts each year on a Wednesday with a parade of race vehicles down the Las Vegas Strip. These very-much-not-street-legal off-road machines cruise the full length of the Strip before ending up at the Off-Road Festival on Fremont Street. Multiple blocks of this famous downtown Vegas street are blocked off and filled with off-road industry vendors for three days.

It’s truly something to see—over a hundred million dollars’ worth of desert machines rolling right past the glowing casinos and neon of Las Vegas Boulevard. The parade is a spectacle that draws both racing fans and unsuspecting tourists, showcasing the wild diversity of off-road race vehicles and bringing the energy of the desert straight into the heart of the city. For both participants and onlookers, it’s a one-of-a-kind kickoff that sets the stage for everything to come.

Wednesday Highlights: What’s Happening and Where

If you’re planning to be in Vegas on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, you’re in for a treat—even before the engines roar to life. Here’s what’s on tap for the kickoff day:

• Morning Pre-Race Prep: For the early birds, there’s an optional initial registration and technical check. It’s a chance for teams to get a jump on paperwork and ensure machines are in racing shape, though everyone will still need to swing by the main festival later in the week for final signoff.

• Parade Down the Strip: At 4:00 p.m., buckle up for the spectacle—hundreds of off-road race vehicles rumbling down the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Imagine millions of dollars in desert tech parading under the bright lights, drawing crowds and turning heads. This is the city’s kind of traffic jam.

• Kickoff Party: As day turns to evening, the energy shifts to the social side of racing. At 6:00 p.m., fans and racers alike gather at one of Vegas’s classic watering holes to swap stories, connect, and get the adrenaline flowing for the days ahead.

• Dinner of Champions: The festivities wrap up with a multi-course feast at 7:00 p.m., where industry insiders, teams, and off-road devotees mingle over good food and shared anticipation for the race to come.

Wednesday sets the tone for the rest of the week—high-octane, full of camaraderie, and unmistakably Vegas.

Giving Back: The Mint 400 Desert Clean Up

One of the coolest traditions at the Mint 400 doesn’t involve burning rubber or catching air over whoops—it’s all about giving a little TLC back to the Mojave. Early Saturday, racers, fans, and off-road enthusiasts roll up their sleeves for the annual Desert Clean Up. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. in Jean, Nevada, and runs through the early afternoon.

So what’s on tap? Volunteers spread out across the nearby desert to collect trash and debris—everything from discarded tires to mysterious relics from Vegas weekends past. The true goal is bigger than just filling garbage bags: it’s about bringing the off-road community together, keeping our open spaces beautiful, and reminding everyone to care for the land we all love to explore. Think of it as a pit stop for Mother Nature before the engines roar to life.

The festival includes product demos, custom vehicles, tons of race merchandise, and so much more. A highlight each year is the high-paced Pit-Crew Challenge on Thursday night. Race teams compete on stage in a head-to-head bracket format to see who can change a tire the fastest. It’s actually way more fun to watch than it might sound.

Thursday: Full-Throttle Festivities

Thursday, March 6th, 2025, is absolutely packed with can’t-miss action both on and off the track. Here’s what’s lined up and where you’ll want to be:

• Morning Kicks Off in Primm: Starting bright and early at 9:00 a.m., Primm, NV, hosts the adrenaline-fueled Class 10 & Pro UTV qualifying runs. If you love seeing purpose-built machines push the limits, this is your wake-up call.
• All-Day Action on Fremont Street: Back in downtown Vegas, Fremont Street transforms into off-road central from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There’s race registration, the massive Off-Road Festival (think miles of booths, gear, giveaways, and eye-candy rigs), plus technical inspections happening nonstop—all within strolling distance.
• Evening Drivers Meeting: As the sun sets, wrap up your day at 6:00 p.m. with the drivers meeting, also on Fremont Street. This is the behind-the-scenes get-together where racers get their final pep talk before the green flag waves.

Whether you’re chasing qualifying runs at Primm or soaking in the festival vibes downtown, Thursday serves up non-stop energy to jumpstart the Mint 400 experience.

Like many people, we aspire to be race car drivers, but like most, don’t yet have the means to drive off into the desert in a race car. One way to quench your competitive hunger is to race in the Friday afternoon LOSI 1/5th scale RC races. These little RC vehicles are crazy fast and crazy durable! It’s a fun activity for all ages.

Make the Trip Yourself

Dinner of Champions: Where Fans and Legends Meet

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Mint 400 experience, the Dinner of Champions is a must. Held at the start of event week, this multi-course meal brings together an eclectic mix of racing legends, sponsors, exhibitors, and fans under one roof. It’s the perfect chance to share a table—and maybe a story or two—with your off-road heroes, all while sampling some incredible food.

Whether you’re a diehard fan, a seasoned racer, or you just love the spectacle of desert racing, all are welcome at this unique gathering. It’s as much about the camaraderie as the cuisine, making it the unofficial kickoff to an unforgettable week.

Volunteer BBQ Details

For volunteers looking to refuel and swap stories, make sure to swing by the VIP Tent in Primm, NV at noon for the Volunteer BBQ. It’s a great opportunity to grab some good food, kick back with fellow race enthusiasts, and take in the behind-the-scenes camaraderie that makes the Mint 400 so unique.

Don’t ever let the opportunity slip through your fingers to experience the BFGoodrich Mint 400 for yourself. Sure it can be fun to watch the highlights online, or even the live feed from the race, but there is nothing like being amongst all the action. A 1,200hp race truck flying through the air, flying by you at over 120 mph, or eating 3-foot whoops for dinner is just one of those things that needs to be seen, heard, and felt firsthand.

OnX was the official mapping sponsor of the Mint 400 this year and made it super easy to find great photography and race viewing angles on the course. A great way to get a taste of the off-road desert action yourself is to use those same maps to go explore the course after the racing ends super early Sunday morning. Most of the course is on pubic BLM land and free to explore. We will warn you, however, that it will be slow going on the race course itself unless you, too, are running massive 40-inch tires and long travel suspension like the race vehicles. Luckily, there are lots of mapped routes near, through, and around the race course itself to explore and get a flavor for the remote rough terrain these racers had to endure at breakneck speeds.

Bottom line, the Mint 400 lived up to its name as the Great American Off-Road Race. We’re already itching to go see some more race action in person soon. Above that, however, we’re truly itching to go explore this area of the Mojave Desert even more with our own vehicles.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the July/August 2020 print issue of Tread Magazine.