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$40 Million-Worth of Desert Racing Vehicles Line Up in Las Vegas to Kick Off Mint 400

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, this year’s edition of the Mint 400 kicked off on December 1 in Las Vegas, with a mammoth parade that signals the start of several days of motoring insanity.
125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las Vegas 12 photos
Photo: Mint 400
125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las Vegas125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las Vegas125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las Vegas125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las Vegas125 desert racing vehicles line up in Las VegasMilitary vehicles at 2020 Mint 400Military vehicles at 2020 Mint 400Military vehicles at 2020 Mint 400Military vehicles at 2020 Mint 4002022 Mint 400 coming in March2022 Mint 400 coming in March
Known in some circles as the “oldest and most prestigious off-road race in America,” the 2021 Mint 400 will see a large number of vehicles getting on the starting grid as part of no less than 44 classes for cars (including two new ones, meant for modern and vintage military vehicles) and 19 classes for motorcycles.

But before they get to do that, these machines had to let the world know they’re in town, and they did so by cruising down the Las Vegas strip in an incredible display of desert racing tech. According to the organizers, no less than 125 machines worth around $40 million were to be seen moving down the road on Wednesday.

“There’s no better way to get Mint 400 week started than with the annual Vehicle Parade through the Las Vegas Strip,” said in a statement Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli.

“It’s amazing to be able to take over the city for one day a year, and the parade is always immensely popular with racers and the general public alike. It’s the perfect way for us to draw fans to both tomorrow’s Mint 400 Off-Road Festival on Fremont Street and the race itself on Friday and Saturday!”

The Mint 400 has been held in Nevada ever since 1968, and it usually takes place in March. The global health crisis changed that for a while, and this is why this year we’re getting the event in December.

Starting 2022, organizers plan a return to the original month, meaning the next edition of the event is just four months away. To mark the occasion, much of the courses will be changed for more thrills.
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Editor's note: Gallery shows images from previous Mint 400 events.

About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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