By: Las Vegas Now Staff
The Mint 400, known as ”The Great American Desert Race,” began in 1968, ran for 20 years and was sponsored by Mint Hotel — but it disappeared when the Mint was sold. Now, this weekend, after a 20-year absence, this race returns to Southern Nevada.
The race was the brainchild of the Mint Hotel's public relations director, Norm Johnson. He created the first “Del Webb Mint 400 Desert Rally” that grew over the next 20 years to become one of the top off-road races in the world.
SLIDESHOW: Mint 400 Race Returns After 20 Years
Registration and tech inspection will be held March 27 and 28, with registration being done at 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the El Cortez, and tech inspections from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Fremont Street East.
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There will be a Mint 400 Fan fest street party, complete with music, autograph sessions, food bars and vintage vehicle displays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday on Fremont Street East.
The race will be held outside Jean on March 29, on a 100-mile course that must be traveled four times over 16 hours. It begins at 7 a.m.
The awards ceremony on March 30 has been scheduled at Whiskey Pete's in Primm at 10 a.m.
The group, SNORE — Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts has brought this great race back. SNORE is a non-profit, completely volunteer only run organization.
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