Justin Lofton was back on top at the BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 off road race held just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. He pushed a pace that could not be matched by his competition. His 3rd overall Mint 400 victory also puts him out front as the winningest driver at the legendary race. He won Back to Back in 2015-16, and now is the only solo driver to have 3 victories in the history of the race.
The Mint 400 dates back to 1968, and has seen the most accomplished racers of each generation taste victory in some of the harshest desert conditions on the planet. The brutal terrain plays a major role in the final results at the Mint. Some of the top contenders never make it to the finish. Many who do limp across the line are worn out or damaged. Lofton pushed the pace all day, causing many to succumb to the punishment. It was a strong showing, but in reality the win was due to his finesse. While others slashed their tires, crushed wheels, and tore parts to pieces, Lofton avoided every pitfall that Mother Nature could conjure.
“Our race was pretty uneventful,” says Lofton, “We had some pretty good tires, (he said as a nod to his sponsor BFGoodrich Tires), and only hit one rock in the last 10 miles. Well, we hit plenty of rocks, but only one of those boulders that will break stuff. We had quick pit stops, and only stopped twice for routine fuel and fresh tires at our main pit. We qualified 4th and were running in second most of the race.
Our strategy was to push the pace with no mistakes. My co-driver Derek and I were in the zone which allowed us to pick up the pace on lap 3. There was a section after pit B that was really chopped up. It was filled with two and a half foot tall squared off bumps that pounded us. Our FOX shocks soaked them up and allowed me to stay in control. Despite how rough it was, we averaged 62 miles per hour.”
Justin Lofton has put himself in his own category after taking his third win at the Mint 400. His driving skills were on display, but he is the first to give credit to the team effort that it takes to win.
FOX, STEEL-IT, MultiCam, #AHBEEF, Justin Lofton Foundation, BFGoodrich Tires, Cometic Gaskets, Walker Industries, Justice Brothers, Brembo Brakes, Baja Designs, Holley EFI, Jimco Racing, Roush Yates Engines, Klotz Lubricants, FK Rod Ends & Torco Race Fuels all contributed to the incredible pace he set to win. For those who follow his popular #AHBEEF life video series, and are curious how the team stayed fueled all week, they had pure #AHBEEF steaks every night.
