The Mint 400 was the biggest and richest off-road race in America from the late 60's until the mid 80's. The deserts around Las Vegas became a race course for hundreds of dune buggies and motorcycles every spring. Glitter Gulch, in front of the Mint Hotel was closed while the vehicles paraded through downtown Las Vegas before the start of the race, getting their last minute "harrahs". The Mint 400 queens were an intregal part of the publicity and advertising for the race and added a little glamour to the dust and dirt event.