The K&N semi is a centerpiece of the Mint 400 contingency | The Mint 400 is on the shortlist of the world's most iconic desert races. The 50th running of the Great American Off-Road Race roared into the Nevada desert and K&N was once again a driving force in the legendary event. Mint 400 organizers made sure race fans had a wide variety of activities to enjoy, both at the Las Vegas pre-race contingency and also the actual race through the desert west of Sin City. In the end, K&N-sponsored racer Bryce Menzies topped the Mint 400 podium. Here is a look at the epic event. Mint 400 Contingency Las Vegas’ historic Freemont Street was once again the epicenter of the Mint 400 contingency event. The downtown area was a frenzy of activity. Vendors displayed their newest performance products, race teams competed in pit crew challenges, and fans rubbed elbows with racers and got up close and personal with exotic race machines. 
Freemont Street rumbles with activity during the Mint contingency | There is likely no other elite race that allows a more up-close and hands-on fan experience than the Mint 400. High-dollar desert trucks, cars, and UTVs rumbled through the mass of race fans as they made their way to the contingency stage and through inspection. Fans took selfies with vendor models and ate steaming street tacos as the contingency activities unfolded. There was not a more conspicuous presence at the Freemont Street contingency than K&N. The massive and instantly-recognizable K&N logo graced the company semi-truck directly adjacent to the Mint 400 contingency stage. Race fans lined up to see new performance products like the K&N 63-1141 AirCharger air intake system for the Can-Am X3. K&N representatives handed out logo hats, socks, shirts, and other exciting swag. 
K&N sponsored racers gathered to meet fans, take photos, and sign autographs | The contingency experience was capped off when race fans got the chance to meet and get autographs from K&N racers including Greg Adler, Bryce Menzies, Bradley Morris, Curt Leduc, Jerry Zaiden, RJ Anderson, Mitch Guthrie, Katie Vernola, and Jason MurrayRJ Anderson, Katie Vernola, and Mitch Guthrie Jr. All in all, the Mint 400 contingency was a huge success as Freemont Street was literally (albeit temporarily) renamed ‘Mint 400 Blvd.’ Mint 400 Race Day 
The full day of racing starts before sunrise in the Nevada desert | The Mint 400 got down to business before the sun rose over the desert around Primm, Nevada. The quirky, fun, eclectic Buffalo Bill’s Casino was once again the staging landmark for the race. The start / finish line rested in the shadows of the casino’s impressive roller coaster.Waves of UTVs, trick trucks, jeeps, and even VW Beetles made their way to the starting line in front of masses of enthusiastic race fans. The starting time for the first waves of racers was set for 6 AM, with the second session scheduled at midday. Media and race team helicopters chopped in the sky above the Nevada desert as the race set out onto one of the most brutal courses in off-road racing. Bryce Menzies 
K&N-sponsored Bryce Menzies fought to his second Mint 400 victory | K&N-sponsored Bryce Menzies fought tooth and nail in his trick truck to escape with a narrow Mint 400 victory. Recent Mint races have been decided by mere seconds and the 50th running was no exception. After nearly 400 miles of brutal racing across the Nevada desert, Menzies edged out Apdaly Lopez by a scant 28 seconds. The ultra-close race shows just how important detail is in desert racing. One missed turn or a slow pit stop would have cost Menzies the victory. Menzies' second Mint 400 win held special significance for the racer. “My grandfather passed away last week,” Menzies said. “He was always such a role model for me and I want to make him proud. This win is for him.” Other K&N Notables 
Katie Vernola ready to race her K&N-equipped UTV in another Mint 400 | While the victory by Menzies grabbed the headlines, other K&N-backed racers performed well in the 2018 Mint 400. The recently-crowned King of the Hammers champion, Mitch Guthrie Jr, powered to a top 5 finish in the Pro UTV Turbo class.Katie Vernola tackled the rough Nevada desert course in her signature pink SxS. Experienced Baja racer Greg Adler again assaulted the Mint 400, as did the Murray Race Team and Camburg Engineering. K&N congratulates all of our Mint 400 competitors. 
High performance UTVs stage for the Mint under the Buffalo Bill's Casino roller coaster | 
The Las Vegas night air filled with the sounds of impact wrenches for the pit crew challenge | 
K&N intakes, filters, and pre filters are trusted with protection and performance on Mint 400 racers | 
Another beautiful desert racer equipped with K&N performance and protection | 
The desert trucks staging in the pre-dawn desert | 
Freemont Street becomes Mint 400 Blvd. for a few days in March | 
The Mint contingency is a circus complete with sideshow oddities like this futuristic racer | 
Evening entertainment draws crowds near the K&N truck | 
A display wall gives a timeline of the Mint 400's storied history | 
K&N-sponsored Murray Race Team strapped in and ready to race in Primm | |
