Mint400

OFF-ROAD RACING can be a horrendous experience, for the competitor, as well as the spectator. Much of the time it is a hot, dusty, and windblown atmosphere, and exposure usually means trouble for man or machine. At the annual Del Webb Mint 400 Desert Rallye, the trouble is double, and only the top off-road riders even bother to compete.

Rolf Tibblin is that kind of riderthree times World Motocross Champion, Mexican 1000 winner, and last year’s Mint 400 victor. His riding partner is simply a younger version of the same. Eighteen-year-old Mitch Mayes has also had his share of wins in several desert events. The two teamed up to win the latest Mint on a howling six-speed 400cc Husqvarna, hitting between 90 and 100 mph on some portions of the course.

In the past the race was run in six laps over a 40-odd mile course, but the population explosion is apparently having its effect on the desert, and a new site had to be selected for the sixth annual running. This time there were just two laps, a long, hard 200 miles apiece.

Speeds were way up over last year’s event, and the result was plenty of spectacular get-offs. Some of the smaller machines simply were out-horsepowered on the quick stretches, and only the mechanical failure of the big bores kept any of these bikes in contention.

Mint400

Tibblin And Mayes Collected $6600 For Their Victory, Some Desert Sun, And A Little Of That Lonely Cactus Glory

In 2nd place overall and first 250 to cross the finish was a Yamaha ridden by

Dave Laca and Jack Johnson. These two had their share of problems with chains and a flat tire, but it still wasn’t enough to put them behind 3rd placers Tom Smith and Bruce Lewellyn, also on a 250 Yamaha.

Tibblin and Mayes collected $6600 for their victory, some desert sun, and a little of that lonely cactus glory. No doubt the 49 non-finishers wish they could say that.