BFGoodrich Racing takes on the 2021 Mint 400
Dec. 1, 2021
Off Road Racer Staff
GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 1, 2021 ― BFGoodrich® Tires looks to continue its winning streak at the 2021 Mint 400, starting in Primm, Nevada, on Dec. 3 and 4.
Known as “The Great American Off-Road Race”, the Mint 400 is the oldest off-road race in the United States. The four days of festivals and races boast an impressive history of participants. Located in the foothills of Las Vegas, more than 400 athletes will compete on a grueling 400-mile racecourse with over 50 classes racing during the weekend.
BFGoodrich Tires will be the title sponsor and aim for its ninth consecutive overall win at the Mint 400. Luke McMillin is looking to defend his 2020 title on BFGoodrich® Baja T/A® KR3 tires against the other 24 Unlimited Truck entries, and he will be the first racer to use the 18” KR3 tire in competition.
Storylines for the 2021 Mint 400:
The Launch of the 18” BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR3
Officially launching in Q1 2022, the latest iteration of the championship-winning Baja T/A KR3 features a new 18” seat wheel diameter to allow extra suspension and brake clearance. This allows upfitting of larger front brake packages to harness the brand-new horsepower. Additionally, the shorter sidewall offers improved steering response, braking and overall handling, while featuring the latest race-winning casing and tread compounds.
Tested in the deserts of Baja California, Mexico, and Southwest region of the U.S. by race-winning drivers, the 40x12.50R18 Baja T/A KR3 raises the bar for the most successful brand in desert racing history. All KR3 tires are designed, engineered and made in the U.S.
BFGoodrich Families Carry the Torch
Throughout the last 40 years of BFGoodrich Racing history, many fathers have seen their sons take their talents behind the wheel. At the 2021 Mint 400, it will be no different, with some third-generation racers competing. Luke and Dan McMillin, sons of Mark and grandsons of Corky, will team up for the Unlimited Truck class in the No. 83 McMillin Racing truck. Off-Road Hall of Famer Rob MacCachren will also participate in the Unlimited Truck class, while his son Cayden will be riding right-seat with him. Not to be outdone, Steve and Jack Olliges will take the course head-on in different classes. Jack, a class winner of several Best in the Desert races during the past several seasons, looks to catch up to his dad, Steve, who has over 30 class wins and seven championships to his credit.
Concrete Motorsports Aims for First Mint 400 Title
Looking to regain their momentum from the first half of the year, Concrete Motorsports hopes to close out the 2021 racing season with a win at the Mint 400. “To win the Mint 400 would be a dream. I think of it as the Indy 500 of off-road racing,” said Kevin Thompson, driver of the No. 70 Concrete Motorsports Unlimited Truck.
Thompson views are shared by his teammate and co-driver, Harley Letner.
“It’s the who’s who of everyone,” he said. “Everyone comes out for the Mint 400. If you win, you’ve won one the baddest races there is, with the baddest drivers there are.”
BFGoodrich Performance Team Comes to Compete
At BFGoodrich, becoming a part of the Performance Team is an honor bestowed on athletes and drivers who push their abilities to the limit while leading the way in their disciplines. The 2021 Mint 400 will feature several Performance Team members competing in different classes. Ryan Arciero, overall winner of the 2021 Best in the Desert “Vegas to Reno” race, will be competing in the No. 32 Draganfly Racing Unlimited Truck. Justin “Bean” Smith will partner with Tracy Graf in the No. 58 Unlimited Truck. And as previously mentioned, Rob MacCachren, one of the greatest off-road racers of all time, will try to replicate his 2017 Mint 400 overall win in the No. 11 Unlimited Truck.
Follow along during this year’s Mint 400 with race stories, images and videos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @BFGoodrichTires.