More than $20 million
worth of off-road
machinery was on display
the trip to Sin City each year. But the
lack of a bike category meant that the
event remained largely irrelevant in
the dirtbike world.
In December 2018, it was announced
that bikes would return. A number of
classes were announced including Pro,
Expert, Amateur, Vintage, Dualsport
and Ironman. Often it will take years
for word to spread of such an event but
the Mint 400’s reputation saw over 150
competitors sign for the two-wheel
classes in 2019.
Victoria’s own Jack Simpson, who
notched up a podium at Finke last
year, was set to compete for Honda, but
was forced to pull out. Luckily, the
race still had some star power with
2019 Dakar leader Ricky Brabec lining
up for the same company.
While the actual racing is now done
out near Primm, the Strip still hosts all
the pre-race festivities. The vehicle
parade took place on Wednesday,
starting at the Mandalay Bay Resort
and finishing at Fremont Street. More
than $20 million worth of off-road
machinery was on display, including
an array of motorcycles. Nearly 100,000
people lined the street to watch.
Another feature was the Dinner of
Champions, which included the first
Mint 400 bike winner, and current
grand marshal, J.N. Roberts. The Mint
400 Festival, which featured
exhibitions, meet and greets, novelty
races, pit crew challenges and a block
party, continued through Thursday
and Friday.
Throughout the week, weather
threatened to sour the event, but by the
time Saturday arrived, conditions were
perfect. The track had plenty of
traction and the wind managed to keep
the dust away.
The bikes used to race with the cars
but ran separately on their return this
year on an 82-mile course of mostly
singletrack. The Pro and Expert classes
needed to complete three laps, while
all other classes did two.
The bike race featured a dead-engine
start. Riders had to stand facing their
bike with the front wheel between
their legs. Once the flag dropped, they
mounted their bikes and took off into
the desert. As Ricky Johnson pointed
out, this is a lot easier than 32 years
ago, with most bikes having electric
start. Back in the day, guys like J.N.
Roberts would struggle as they tried to
kickstart their machines.
We’re just hoping these guys didn’t get to raceLasVegasstillhostsallthepre-racefestivitiesDry break refuellers are essential in Open ProMason Klein only managed one lap in the Pro classhttp://www.adbmag.com JUNE 2019| 101
Doug Smith leads Clayton
Reichard. Both Honda riders
fi nished, with Reichard second
in Open A, which did two laps