Honda Takes Class Victory at Mint 400
The Honda Off-Road Racing Team and its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck took class victory in the Mint 400, making it a back-to-back success for the team after it won the season-opening Parker 425 last month as part of the 2019 Best in the Desert competition — largely considered to be the definitive American off-road racing series.
The Mint 400 is the oldest off-road race in the US and holds a reputation as being one of the toughest courses in the sport. It takes competitors across a 100-mile long loop in the desert outside Las Vegas, which they lap four times.
Jeff Proctor, owner of the Honda Off-Road Racing Team, took the wheel on Sunday with navigator Evan Weller alongside him. They took an early lead in the 7200 class, which is comprised of unlimited V6-powered trucks, and never relinquished it. After the first lap, they had a 32-minute lead over second place.
Related: 2019 Honda Ridgeline overview
“This Ridgeline race truck was on rails all day. Our General Tires were so tough out there as we didn’t have a single puncture the entire race,” Proctor said. “This entire team worked so hard and was flawless in the pits.”
After the second lap, Proctor handed the wheel to team manager Pat Dailey, who continued the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck’s dominance. They crossed the checkered flag after just over six hours, making a big point about the Ridgeline’s capability at the country’s most prestigious off-road event.
Honda will look to make it three-in-a-row at the Baja 500 in Baja California.
Related: Honda reveals ultra-rugged Open Air Concept
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