Las Vegas, Nevada — The Great American Off Road Race once again lived up to its name. During the second week of March, the off-road race world converged on Las Vegas for the Mint 400. The Mad Media crew delivered the spectacle fitting of the Mint's legendary namesake. Casey Folks and the BITD crew designed a course to ensure the Mint’s reputation as one of the toughest races around remained intact. The week included a festive contingency on Fremont Street, the crowning of Miss Mint 2015, and a parade of Trick Trucks and race cars down the Las Vegas Strip led by Grand Marshall Larry Ragland in his vintage 1986 Mint winning Class 1 car.

The race gods have been smiling on BITD so far this season. Race day saw blue skies and just a touch of breeze outside Buffalo Bills in Primm that marked the start/finish line. The limited class race kicked off in the early morning while the unlimited cars would begin their three lap competition later in the afternoon.

Learn more about Albins AGB and ST6 gearboxes.

When the green flag dropped on the afternoon race, the first lap was a fast chase. Dale Dondel was first off the line with the next dozen starters in close pursuit. Misfortune struck near the end of the first lap. A horrific multiple car accident put the race on pause. The vehicles were stopped while the racers involved received emergency attention and the damaged vehicles were removed from the course. The race was restarted at 4:45 pm. Time for each vehicle was recorded and the appropriate adjustments were added to finishing times.

The pause in the race pushed the finishing times well into the night. Tracking issues had the crowd that gathered at the Red Bull finish line uncertain who would be first across. Many were surprised when Justin Lofton pulled onto the the main stage and was declared the winner. Robby Gordon in his No. 77 Trick Truck followed close behind for second overall. 

The big Albins ST6 news was in class 7200. Kovach Racing truck 7207, complete with a new Albins ST6-i  sequential gearbox, snagged the top spot on the 7200 podium. Kovach carried the momentum from his second place at the Parker 425 to win the Mint with more than a 30 minute lead over the next Class 7200 finisher. It’s not luck that’s giving Steve the advantage this year. His truck is packing a new Albins ST6-i this season.

Cody Parkhouse in Albins AGB equipped car 1532 also one-upped his Parker 425 performance. Cody snagged second place on the Class 1500 podium and managed a top ten finish overall.  Lalo Laguna in AGB equipped car 1537 snagged third place in Class 1500.

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Kovach photos courtesy of Kovach Racing