Las Vegas, NV - March 17, 2008 - An impressive field of off-road racing vehicles, competitors and sponsors in Las Vegas for the return of the Mint 400 will be highlighted during two days of registration and tech inspection on Fremont Street East March 27-28.

The racing  event, which will be run March 29 south of Las Vegas, has drawn an estimated 300 entries in 18 classes, and all of them will be showcased during the colorful gathering on Fremont Street East.

Tech inspection for the Mint 400 drew thousands every year on Fremont Street.
This year’s Mint 400 off-road race will have registration and tech inspection on
Fremont Street East March 27-28. - Las Vegas News Bureau photography

Registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. March 27-28 at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, while tech inspection is slated from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day.

Autograph sessions, food bars and vintage vehicle displays are scheduled from 7:30-10:30 p.m. March 27.

Presented by the Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts, the Mint 400 is returning for the first time after a historical period from 1968-88 when it drew more than 100,000 fans and up to 538 entries each year. The most recent course started and ended on what is now Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In the past, tech inspection has drawn thousands to Fremont Street. According to SNORE officials, each car brings with it about 15 people ranging from drivers to tech support personnel and sponsors.

“This is a wonderful spectacle,” said KJ Howe, who was the race director of the Mint 400 during the race’s glory years of the 1970s and 80s, “and we’re so happy that this event has been brought back to downtown Las Vegas.”

During tech inspection, SNORE officials will check each entry for various vehicle-related key points such as engines, chassis, safety equipment, wheels and tires.

“This is an incredible roving car show,” said long-time competitor and SNORE member Tommy Bradley during a meeting to discuss tech inspection. “Those of us who remember the old days know the impact that tech inspection will have on downtown Las Vegas. The workers in the surrounding businesses make record money during race weekends no matter where the event.”

The Mint 400, which will cover 96-mile laps, will start and finish on the Las Vegas Boulevard frontage road north of Primm. Vehicles will leave in pairs beginning at 7 a.m., and vehicles will have 16 hours to complete the race.
An awards banquet will be presented March 30 in Primm at a site to be announced later.
Further information may be obtained at www.snoreracing.net, www.themint400.com or by calling Kenny Freeman at 702-736-6355.