Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Finishes Second in Class at Mint 400.
Mel Wade is no stranger to off-road racing. As CEO of Off Road Evolution, EVO Manufacturing, and the JK Xperience, Mel takes EVO1; a four-door street legal race certified Jeep JK, on a national schedule of races to maximize real-world testing on his off-the-shelf suspension products. Last weekend he loaded up the Jeep and headed to Las Vegas, NV for The Mint 400 desert race.
Since 1967, The Mint 400 has been known to hold the title for the most spectacular desert race in North America. Pre-race festivities are held on Las Vegas’ Freemont Street, which give spectators an up close and personal look at all the race vehicles and vendor products on display, all while taking in the Vegas experience. The race is held at the California-Nevada state line in Primm, and takes racers on a 4 lap, 430-mile journey through Nevada’s treacherous desert terrain.
Fully prepped and ready to race, Mel Wade and EVO1 cruised down Freemont Street for tech and contingency. The 12-block span is lined with vendor displays, showcasing the newest products in the off road industry while allowing spectators a chance to meet and take pictures with racers. Once finished with contingency, EVO1 passed tech inspection and was clear to race the following day.
Call time for the 4400 class was 5am Saturday morning. EVO1 was fueled up and ready to start the race. The Jeep was off to a good start, chasing down buggies and UTVs from other classes, the motor and suspension worked perfectly together for the rocky, whooped out desert terrain. Approaching Pit A, the instrument cluster lost power so the team spent fifteen minutes in the pits diagnosing the problem.
“I pushed the shocks and suspension to the limits to make up time after the first pit stop. I designed the EVO Lever and Double Throwdown suspension systems to withstand the abuse of off-road racing and I was confident it would get me back out front”, said Mel Wade.
The Off Road Evolution Jeep started the last lap of the race only five minutes behind the class leader. Navigating the Nevada terrain, it was a head to head battle to the finish. Through each turn, EVO1 got closer and closer to recapturing the lead. In the end, the Off Road Evolution crew and EVO1 took home the second place finish in class 4400. “We ran smooth all day and I’m really happy with how the Jeep performed. My crew did a great job keeping us going in the pits. I have an amazing family that allows me to pursue my off road passion and we have the best customers in the industry. Thank you for all the support,” said Mel Wade
Thanks to our sponsors for all the support:
Discount Tire Nitto Tire KMC Wheels Dynatrac King Off-Road Racing Shocks KC HiLiTES, Inc. Mastercraft Safety AMSOIL INC. EVOMFG
Photo Credit:
Race Image: HighRev Photography
Contingency Image: John Cappa
