Las Vegas « SoCalTrucks.com

Mint 400

Posted on Wednesday at 7:40

Since the late 1960s, the legendary Mint 400 off-road race in Las Vegas has been one of motorsports most recognized events. With early star power coming from the likes of Parnelli Jones, James Garner and Steve McQueen, the “Great American Off-Road Race” has always created a special kind of historic significance.

That history will come alive on Friday, March 22 as organizers of the General Tire Mint 400 and the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) have joined efforts to bring a large collection of vintage off-road racing machinery to Las Vegas’ Fremont Street for a first-of-its-kind “Show N Shine.” NORRA promotes and organizes the General Tire Mexican 1000 Rally, a vintage-flavored on and off-road rally that takes place down the Baja peninsula in late April.
With the list of famous off-road vehicles expected at the Mint 400’s “Show N’ Shine” growing as the display date grows closer, visitors to the race’s famed Tech and Contingency Day activities can expect to get up close to some iconic desert racing vehicles – many that competed in the Mint 400 during their heyday.
Leading the list of veteran NORRA Mexican 1000 machinery schedule to appear are the 1971 Azunia Tequila/General Tire Snortin’ Nortin’ Chevy Nova of Jim Riley and the 1983 Ford Bronco General Tire “Retro” Pace Truck of Ron DeWolf. Also making its debut in retro yellow, black and white General Tire livery is the Class 5 VW Baja Bug of Bill Hernquist, which originally ran these colors as a factory racer in 1990. The famous ex-Mark Stahl Class 1 Chenowth-VW now owned by Jeff Furrier is also slated to be in Las Vegas.
Several historically significant vehicles are also undergoing restoration but are scheduled to make their public debut at the NORRA Mint 400 “Show N’ Shine” display on Fremont Street. One is the exotic black Chevy “BFG” Chevy Blazer originally built by Parnelli Jones and later raced by the late Frank “Scoop” Vessels and then Don Adams. Now owned by Mint 400 veteran Cameron Thieriot, the Blazer was made famous in ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” coverage of the 1980 Baja 1000. It is being prepped to run down the Baja once again at April’s GT NORRA Mexican 1000, driven by Vessel’s late son Kash, Adams and even Malcolm Smith, who co-drove the car with Adams to a 1983 Baja 1000 class victory.

Also breaking cover for the first time in decades will be the remarkable Mickey Thompson-built Challenger IV single-seat unlimited open-wheel racecar. Currently being painstakingly brought back to life by Rory Ward, the unique and complex front engine racer took part in the 1978, 1979 and 1980 Mint 400s driven by its legendary creator and his son Danny. The car was lost from the public eye for decades, but it now will make its debut at the 2012 Mint 400 as a roller before being raced at next year’s Mexican 1000.

Southern California enthusiast Dana Dague is bringing not one, but two newly restored vintage race trucks to the display. One is a 1975 bright Datsun 4×4 pickup that was originally campaigned by former factory race driver Spencer Low. Dague’s second entry is a beautiful 1981 Dodge D50 truck once raced by Mike Meeks and Jerry Mallicote. Both of these restored vehicles competed at the Mint 400 in their past and both will hit the dirt again in the future at this year’s Mexican 1000.

“The invitation from the Matt Martelli and the Mint 400 group to bring a NORRA vintage display to this event was both an honor and an ideal fit,” explained NORRA’s Mike Pearlman. “Each event shares General Tire as a corporate partner, but both events also share a passion for this sports’ colorful past. Thanks to all of the Mexican 1000 participants and teams who will help make this display a special part of the Mint 400 experience.”

For more information on the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000, please visit:
www.Mexican1000.com

About the General Tire Mint 400:
The General Tire Mint 400 is the oldest, roughest, most spectacular off-road race in North America! It was started in 1967, and is steeped in American lore, as thousands of racers and celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert. With over 300 race teams, 20 classes of vehicles, and more than 20 thousand spectators…The Mint 400 is currently the biggest off-road race in the world! Now owned by The Martelli Brothers, The Mint 400 is part of the Best in The Desert Off-Road Championship.

Tags: Las Vegas, mint 400, off road racing, trucks

SEMA truck

Posted on Thursday at 6:51

Andrew Lowe obviously has a passion for transforming stock vehicles into beautiful pieces of work capable of performing beyond common standards. In fact, Lowe’s passion is even more specific as he specializes in Dodge and BMW vehicles. According to the Houston, Texas native, he tries to build a custom truck every few years.
Lowe recently rolled into Las Vegas, Nevada, eager to show his most recent endeavor at SEMA 2012. With countless hours of planning and manpower behind him, it was due time to display his 2012 Ram 2500.

“This was my second trip to SEMA as a builder, and third overall,” he recalled. “Each build takes about a year. As soon as SEMA is over, I take a few weeks off, then get to planning on my next truck. It takes dedication of great sponsors, like K&N, to build a truck like this in the timespan.”
Starting out with a 6.7 Cummins High-Output under the hood, Lowe opted to make a few modifications with intentions of acquiring optimal performance. He installed an Edge Juice Computer Controlled module to ensure perfect timing and accurate injector firing. In turn, the benefits would be three fold – “maximum performance, improved drivability, and better fuel economy.”
Aware that the best filtering system on the market was an essential element of keeping his engine contaminant free, Andrew Lowe automatically turned to K&N products. Referring to their capabilities, he said, “The first time I used K&N was in 2003, on a custom intake we built for my air-bagged 2003 Ram 1500 Hemi. K&N offers great benefits, from their lifetime warranty to the intake kits. If they don’t make an intake kit for the application, then their custom cones will always work with some fabrication skills. Easy to clean and reliable; what more do you want in an air filter.”

Proper air flow is essential from the time it enters the engine until it leaves the tailpipe. That in mind, Lowe installed a revised turbo and went with a Magnaflow custom twin-tip exhaust. Focusing on improving the integrity of the engines’ internal components, he went with ARP studs.
With work under the hood behind him, it was time to focus on other mechanical modifications that would improve the 4X4s durability, looks, and overall performance. Putting a Stage 4, eight-inch left under the rig, he then addressed the braking system, opting to install slotted rotors.

Aware that practically any build can be improved with making modifications “where the rubber meets the road”, the builder chose 24X12, three-piece RBP Revolver wheels. His next decision was as important as it was obvious – he had to choose the proper tires. Lowe opted to wrap 38X13.5X24 Nitto Tires around the wheels. The combination provided a showy appearance that could withstand the rigors handed out by a four-wheel-drive.
When the mechanical modifications were done, he consolidated his thoughts in a direction that would lead to what he anticipated would be one of the most eye-catching 4X4s at SEMA 2012. Lowe went to Extreme Customs, in Houston, Texas, where they applied a custom paint job with Du Pont custom colors.

With the scent of completion in the air, the Builder focused on the truck’s interior. Eager to provide onlookers with the total package, he chose Laramie Longhorn factory leather enhanced with color matched pieces and additional trim wrapped in matching leather, and the results were exactly what he had hoped for.

When asked if he found more pleasure in the build of his Gothic, Western Style Ram 2500, or most enjoyed driving the finished product, Lowe explained, “Both are equally fun; hearing the engine fire for the first time after working on it, or driving it away from the lights. They’re both great feelings!”.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Tags: dodge ram, Las Vegas, nitto tires, SEMA show truck

Polaris Industries Joins The 2013 General Tire Mint 400 as Presenting Sponsor

Posted on Wednesday at 9:50

Minneapolis, Minn. (February 25, 2013) –Polaris Industries Inc (NYSE: PII) has joined General Tire and a host of dedicated sponsors in support of “The Great American Off-Road Race” – The 2013 General Tire Mint 400 Presented by Polaris. Polaris is a global sales leader in off-road vehicles, and its RZR® line is the leader in innovation in sport UTV design worldwide. Based in Medina, Minnesota, Polaris has been manufacturing vehicles for nearly 60 years and is the preferred UTV platform for desert off-road racing. There are more RZRs entered in The Mint 400 than any other manufacturer, and Polaris provides factory support for Jagged X Racing and Coastal Racing.
“We are thrilled to have Polaris as the presenting sponsor for the 2013 Mint 400,” said Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli. “The UTV Class has exploded in growth over the past few years because they are affordable to campaign and virtually race-ready from the showroom floor. You can literally go buy a Polaris RZR from a dealer – and with a few modifications be out racing the next weekend! It’s really exciting to watch people get into these vehicles and then become die-hard off-road race fans!”
“Polaris is honored to be the presenting sponsor of a race as legendary as The Mint 400,” said Craig Scanlon, general manager, Recreational Off-Road Vehicles for Polaris. “The Mint has a rich history that puts off-road racing right in the heart of Las Vegas. From racers and celebrities tackling the brutal Nevada desert to the festivities surrounding the race, such as a pre-race display on Fremont St., The Mint is a celebration of off-road racing and Polaris is excited to be part of it.”

To help capitalize on the newly-formed partnership with Polaris, The Mint 400 has named UTVUnderground.com as the official Mint 400 UTV Class media outlet. They will provide daily updates of the Mint 400 UTV festivities and racing, including expansive coverage of all Polaris racing teams. Photo galleries and articles, as well as post-race video clips will be shared with UTV enthusiasts across The Mint 400 and UTV Underground social media networks.

The 2013 General Tire Mint 400 presented by Polaris, begins Wednesday March 20th, and will continue through Sunday, March 24. The most hardened off-road racers in the world, as well as more than 20,000 off-road racing enthusiasts and fans will descend upon Las Vegas to race, spectate and party during the four days of events surrounding The Mint 400. The Mint 400 hosts racers from every continent, competing in 22 different classes of race vehicles across 400 miles of brutal Nevada desert, for the chance to earn the coveted Mint 400 Class Championship, and host of cash and prizes. The Mint 400 festivities and race spectating are completely free and open to the public.

About The General Tire Mint 400
Known as “The Great American Off-Road Race,” The Mint 400 is an epic battle between some of the top off-road racers in the world in over twenty-two different classes of off-road vehicles. The race was started in 1967, and is steeped in American lore, as thousands of racers, as well as celebrities from around the world, have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert. An entire week of events lead up the famed off-road race in and around Las Vegas, including a vehicle parade, drivers meet and greet, pit crew contest, crowning of Miss Mint, multiple parties, qualifying, and Contingency or Vehicle Tech inspection.

About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris accessories and parts. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index. Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Tags: Las Vegas, mad media, mint 400, off road racing, polaris industries, sponsor

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas Named Official Host Hotel for 2013 General Tire Mint 400

Posted on Tuesday at 6:57

LAS VEGAS – For the fifth consecutive year, the world-renowned General Tire Mint 400 has selected the Golden Nugget Las Vegas as the “Official Host Hotel” for Best in the Desert’s General Tire Mint 400. The top off-road teams in the world will compete in over twenty different classes of race vehicles at this years Mint 400, which will take place the week of March 20th and continue until March 25th, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Started in 1967, The Mint is steeped in American lore as thousands of racers in addition to celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert. Contingency or tech inspection takes place each year on Fremont Street in front of the casinos in historic, downtown Las Vegas. Contingency gives the fans a chance to see the race vehicles up close and personal, as well as check out a variety of off-road related products including merchandise from their favorite teams.

“The Golden Nugget has become a home for off-roaders whenever there is a race in Las Vegas. The Mint 400 is historically connected to the Fremont area. The Golden Nugget has beautiful upscale rooms and fantastic dining. It has become a second home to me. I stay at the Golden Nugget every time I come to Las Vegas,” said Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli.

We are excited to welcome back the General Tire Mint 400. We are looking forward to providing a great experience for all the drivers, teams and fans. Off-road racing was born in Las Vegas, particularly the Fremont area. We hope to continue partnership with the Mint 400 for years to come,” said Amy Chasey, Vice President of Marketing at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.

Winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award consecutively since 1977, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas is the most luxurious resort on the Fremont Street Experience, and consistently receives critical acclaim for exceeding customer expectations. The Golden Nugget now offers more than 2,400 deluxe guestrooms and suites; a high-energy casino featuring the most popular slot and video poker machines, table games, race and sports book, and poker room; nightly entertainment with master impressionist and comedian Gordie Brown; world-class restaurants such as Grotto Italian Ristorante and Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse; a luxury spa and salon; and The Tank, a year-round outdoor swimming pool complete with a 200,000-gallon, live shark aquarium and the new H20 poolside lounge.

Since 2005, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas has made more than $180 million in upgrades, renovations and expansions under Landry’s Inc, introducing first-class accommodations, exquisite dining options and fun-filled entertainment venues. In late 2009, the Golden Nugget Las Vegas unveiled its newest addition, Rush Tower. This $150-million hotel tower added nearly 500 new guestrooms and suites to the property, brought Las Vegas it’s first Chart House Restaurant and introduced a beautiful new pool, the Hideout, as well as expanded the gaming.

The discount code for the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino is “GSSMINT”

Rush Tower
Dates: Pricing:
Tuesday, March 19th – Thursday, March 21st $105.00
Friday, March 22nd – Saturday, March 23rd $165.00
Sunday, March 24th $85.00
About the Mint 400:
The General Tire Mint 400 is the oldest, roughest, most spectacular off-road race in North America! It was started in 1967, and is steeped in American lore, as thousands of racers as well as celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert. With over 300 race teams, 20 classes of vehicles, and more than 20 thousand spectators…The Mint 400 is currently the biggest off-road race in the world! Now owned by The Martelli Brothers, The Mint 400 is part of the Best in The Desert Off-Road Championship.

About Mad Media:
Mad Media (www.madmedia.com) is a San Diego based marketing and creative agency offering professional print, web, and film production. They specialize in producing culturally relevant brand messaging using professional athletes, musicians, and artists. Mad Media focuses on sports and cultures that they are passionate about, including skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, FMX, BMX, off-road racing, rally racing, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and Mixed Martial Arts. Mad Media has produced over twenty major commercial and viral film projects this year for clients such as Subaru of America, DC Shoes, Monster Energy Drink, and Harley-Davidson. Mad Media has been executing immersive marketing campaigns since 1996.

Media Contact:
Mad Media
Matt Martelli

Tags: General Tire, golden nugget, Las Vegas, mint 400, Monster Energy, off road racing, trucks

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