The Mint 400 Desert Race is one of a kind. This off road race originally included just motorcycles but later expanded to four-wheel vehicles as well. The track consists of 4 laps of 100 miles through the Mojave Desert. The idea for this all started back in 1968 when the public relations director of the Las Vegas Mint Hotel came up with the race in order to attract visitors and increase business for the area.
Many aspects of the Mint 400 made it a very difficult race... one of the main obstacles being the location. In the desert, dust and high winds often mean little to no visibility, therefore, just finishing the race meant bragging rights to the contestants. The dust and wind problem also affected the people who were watching; multiple tents were always around to shelter the spectators and press members.
In 1988, the race was put on hold in order to revitalize the Las Vegas strip. The Mint Hotel was sold and the management group broke up as well, leaving the race on hold for over 20 years. Finally in 2008, the Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts put the race back in action. Below is a video that gives a good idea of the intensity of the Mint 400.
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