Stow, Ohio – The historic Mint 400 has come to an exciting close with the iconic Mickey Thompson-built Challenger IV taking the win in the Open Vintage Class piloted by Rory Ward.

Built and designed in 1977 by Mickey Thompson, the Challenger IV was a transformational design in off-road competition. Thompson coupled high-horsepower Chevy V8’s with increased suspension and progressive weight-balance change assisted by the signature huge rear wing. Adding A-arm suspension to the front, Thompson was able to achieve nearly double the wheel travel of his closest competitors, allowing the vehicle to travel at higher speeds over the incredibly rough terrain of the Nevada desert.

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“I can’t tell you what it means to me to bring this historical vehicle to the finish line in first place,” Ward said. “Mickey knew he had a winner with Challenger IV, but it just took a little longer to prove it…I’m ecstatic that we were able to come away with a win for Mickey, Trudy and the rest of the Thompson family.”

Matt Martelli, Mint 400 CEO also elaborated on the significance of the win and its place in the sport’s history.

“Mickey Thompson was our hero as a racer, a businessman and as a creative being,” Martelli said. “He had a massive impact on racing and automotive culture, but most importantly he embodied the spirit of American ingenuity and hard work.”