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Anatomy of a Mint 400 Unlimited Trophy Truck
With the upcoming 2020 Mint 400 coming up on March 3rd – 8th, we wanted to give you a quick look at what it takes to be competitive in their premier Unlimited Truck class.
The legendary Mint 400 was created by Norm Johnson in 1967, which was, at first, a publicity event to promote The Mint Hotel in Las Vegas. The race continues to bring together competitors from across the nation to test their skills and vehicles against rough terrain and fierce racers and has become known as The Great American Desert Race. The Mint was featured in Hunter S. Thompson’s novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” as well as later in the cult classic film by the same name. It is the oldest and one of the most prestigious off-road races in America.
The Jimco “Maximus” Unlimited Trophy Truck
The Maximus platform features:
In the rear
The newly designed rear suspension geometry allows the truck to utilize the newest designs in shock technology. This allows Jimco to optimize the FOX 4.0 front and 4.4 rear, with full bypass technology to utilize the shock’s full potential – from full droop to full bump – while maintaining maximum travel and forward bite. Jimco works hand-in-hand with FOX Shox to develop new suspension technology.
In the front
The new Jimco also features the robust Howe Performance steering box, along with the Jimco-designed swing set with ram assist, which allows driver easier steering and control, less fatigue and proper Ackermann steering geometry.
In the front
Power vs weight was at the top of the list when considering every design aspect of this vehicle, right down to the 100-gallon carbon fiber fuel cell can. It’s a true evolution in off-road vehicle design, utilizing F1 vehicle design cues.The Maximus features a Custom Dougans Chevy Big Block V8 with 1015 Horsepower and 850 feet-pounds of torque. This custom power plant is specifically designed to handle the brutality of off-road racing, matching power with bulletproof reliability.
Fit and finish
The driver ergonomics have been significantly improved, Jimco owner Robbie Pierce’s background in proper seating for motorsports and military vehicles has seriously contributed to an improved driver compartment. The seats and restraints are Impact HS1s. Finished with the Momo mod 80 steering wheel.
Full Package
The Jimco Maximus chassis can easily be packaged with multiple types of power plants and transmissions. This is where Jimco shines; it’s not just about getting all the best components stuffed into a box, it’s about having a design that allows each component to work to its full potential and be serviceable – even in the middle of the night, in the middle of Baja during an all out war.
This truck seen here is the personal race vehicle of Jimco owner and Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee Robbie Pierce. He is the living embodiment of the idea, “We race what we sell.” The Jimco platform benefits from Robbie’s background in motorsport safety. As a member of ICMS (the International Council of Motorsports Science) Robbie uses the knowledge he has gained in making all Jimco vehicles the safest they can be. From properly positioned and mounted seats and restraints to fire suppressions systems, driver safety is always at the top of the list.
Steel Sharpens Steel
This third generation Jimco unlimited trophy truck is an evolution of the previous platform that has been the only vehicle to win the brutal Mint 400 three times.
Owner: Robbie Pierce
Builder: Jimco
Date completed: March 3rd 2019
Chassis #: J30
Wheelbase: 125″
Track Width: 92″
Weight: 6100 lb
PWR: 6 x 1 – 0.166 hp/lb
Wheel Travel: Front: 26″ – Rear: 34″
Suspension: FOX 4.0 Front and 4.4 Rear Full Bypass Technology
Rear End: 4 Link
Steering: Howe Performance Steering Box
Jack System: Howe Performance Hydraulic Jack System
Tires: 40″ Tall BFGoodrich KR3 Tires
Wheels: 17″ Trail Ready Beadlock Race Wheels
Brakes: Brembo Race Braking System
Body: Ford Raptor Custom Fiberglass
Seats: Impact Carbon Fiber HS1s
Nets & Belts: MasterCraft Safety Nets + Jimco Designed MOMO Camlock Restraints
Engine: Dougans Custom 555ci Big Block 8 Stack V8 Engine Package
Horsepower: 1015 hp
Torque: 850 ft lbs
Transmission: Fortin FRST5 Speed Sequential
ECU: MoTeC M130 engine management system
Cooling: C&R Racing
Exhaust: Butler Headers, Borla Exhaust
Plumbing: Jimco – Brown & Miller
Driveline: J. E Reel
Fuel Cell: Custom Pyrotec
Paint/Graphics: Sign Pros/Long Live Design
Body: Jimco Raptor
Steering: Howe/Jimco Steering box and Swing Set
Paneling: Jimco
Wiring: TRH/JLM
Lights: Baja Design
Navigation: Lowrance HDS 7” and 12” Live
Communication: PCI Radio
