Words and Photos by Anthony Rivas
It’s Thursday morning and I am in Primm, Nevada to check out the Method Race Wheels time trials for the Mint 400.
I am making way to the start line for qualifying and seeing a few trucks and buggies still on trailers.
If you follow off road at all, maybe you know this truck sporting the green Methods - BJ Baldwin in line for qualifying.
You may recognize some of these race teams by logos. Some were new to me. Regardless of the name on the side of the car they came to race.
I could probably stay here for hours just watching all the competitors. This buggy is almost a green chrome.
People are already gathered for time trials. There are a lot of people here, more than I expected.
These guys are really in it. The sound of the motor screams so loud; it’s a rush.
These guys have some pretty good seats and everything they need.
This is just one section a few people gathered at to watch. There is a jump here. You know, people want to see big air.
I’m headed back to Vegas and I see some of the trucks I just saw on the track. We will see what tomorrow brings at the Tech & Contingency downtown.
It’s Friday morning and I am in downtown Las Vegas on Freemont street.
There are lots of restaurants and casinos here. This is always blocked off for pedestrians.
Well let’s go see what the Mint 400 Contingency is all about.
There are lots of people, so lets make our way through and find some off road vehicles.
I really dig the paint schemes on these two, I wonder if they will be in the race.
UTV’s are present and some will be racing tomorrow. There is a lot of lift pictured above and a lot of lights pictured below.
I can’t help but notice the front shock set up on this bug is wild. Maybe it’s common in this scene, to me its intriguing.
I am from Colorado so I dig the paint, but it’s just a cool Volkswagen.
If you’re into Off Road racing, fabrication, or just a gear head this event is something you should check out.
If you follow Casey Currie than you may recognize this beast.
I saw this passing by on its way to tech and it caught my eye. It looks very unique compared to most of the racers I am seeing.
Cops?! That’s different.
It’s a Toyota and has an Axial Yeti Trophy truck on it – two things I like!
Okay, I see BFGoodrich up ahead. I think that’s half way and I have been walking for a while. On the bright side I am not pushing or pulling a truck.
The vehicles are getting a little more unique as I get closer.
I thought I misread the labels – Honda Ridgeline.
No, I didn’t misread that, it’s a Honda Ridgeline.
Something about the front suspension looked a little off, so I am going to make my way closer.
The engine sits in the back, and way back at that. Curious to know how it performs.
Well I made my way to BFGoodrich and I see the Axial Jeep JK on display.
I also see this scavenger hunt. Win a Casey Currie signed Axial Jeep or a set of BFG tires. Wow, that’s pretty cool.
Some pretty cool vintage and classics down here.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of food trucks here.
This DJ drove his stage here; this thing is a beast.
The stage for all the competitors, and everyone cheering on their favorite driver.
Rigid Industries has some cool trucks in their area.
This Ford was drawing crowds over at Method race wheels.
This really got my attention. What do you think?
There is lots of carbon fiber on this Chevy.
Some new mixed with the classics.
This is a pretty rad combo right here.
The Bronco looks purpose built wouldn’t you say? The trailing arms mounting as far forward as they do really got me looking.
WOW! Check this out.
This looks like a piece of history right here.
Could you imagine racing across harsh environments in this?
This Chevy seemed to grab a lot of attention also.
This Volkswagon Bug looks like its been around the world.
Speaking of around the world, this Dakar wrapped rig was pretty cool.
HEATWAVE VISUAL had an Axial Yeti TT as a part of their display.
It definitely pulled people in! Who remembers first seeing this rig on Instagram?
On my way out I kept checking out vehicles, even if they weren’t part of the display.
Hmmm… I have got to check this out.
All right, I have to head home. Races start tomorrow morning.
Ok it’s Saturday morning and I am back in Primm. Lets see what we can of the race.
It’s racing and it’s always exciting.
Its amazing how fast these guys go on a makeshift road, they are flat out screaming.
Pass where you can and it’s a full on commitment.
Love the drop out of the suspension on this Chevy, the picture below is in flight.
These trucks were taking a beating, flat tires and broken body parts if you’re lucky.
I have to admit, I was impressed by the Honda. This guy was flat out running this truck.
Some guys pushed and quickly found their limits.
Somewhere in that wall of dirt is a high horse powered truck with a driver standing on the gas. We can all hear it screaming like a banshee.
Big air, coming in hot is a crowd pleaser, but was gamble for the drivers. This unfolded so quick that I missed the shot of impact.
He hit the cinder block wall carrying some speed.
Track officials were quick to respond.
Driving styles varied; hard on the brakes then accelerate through the corner.
Some drivers would just through it in the corner and drift it.
It was hard to get good spots for the action, but this just made his way on the course.
As the day winded down I made my way to the stage.
After checking out the stage and some of the finishers I headed out.
These guys made sure there was no shortage of Ford Raptors.
BFGoodrich had a pit challenge going on for every day people to see what the pros go through.
That center median is not even close to a parking place, but this place is busting at the seams with people. I am headed back to Vegas to unwind, maybe it won’t be so crowded.