Shields, Berhorst, Cotter Win 2024 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 Youth Races
March 10, 2024
UTVUG Staff
UNLTD Off-Road Racing's commitment to the future stars of the sport remained as evident as ever on Friday and Saturday, as dozens of top young drivers competed in the 2024 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 Youth Races. Brody Berhorst and Mason Cotter split the victories in Friday's races, while Declan Shields dominated the day on Saturday to win both events.
[caption id="attachment_88537" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Mint 400 “Youth 250” 2024[/caption]
With nearly 50 youth entries taking part in four races across both Mint 400 race days, the next generation of racers has never been stronger. Saturday’s finishes were a strong example, as Shields had to fend off challenges from both Nixon Nagel in the Youth 170/200 race to open the morning and Landon Morrow in the 250 race shortly after. His combined margin of victory across both of those races was just 10 seconds, showcasing just how closely matched those divisions are.
[caption id="attachment_88535" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Mint 400 “Youth 170” 2024[/caption]
For Nagel, the consolation prize was his second 170 Open class win in as many races, after he took the class win in January at the Parker 400. Meanwhile, Youth 1000 winner Mason Cotter improved one spot from last year’s second place in the final running order, while Brody Berhorst took his third consecutive podium in the Youth 570 race with his victory.
[caption id="attachment_88538" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Mint 400 “Youth 570” 2024[/caption]
Friday's Youth 570 podium finishers were as follows:
- #O544 Brody Berhorst, 32 laps/46:01.923
- #Y585 Estella Gaddis, 31 laps
- #Y501 Indigo Bartley, 28 laps
- #Y1610 Mason Cotter, 7 laps/48:09.674
- #Y1037 Jacob Williamson, 7 laps/49:06.101
- #Y1119 Cole Warner, 7 laps/49:48.708
- #159Y Declan Shields, 170 Open, 11 laps/25:38.731
- #O099 Nixon Nagel, 170 Open, 11 laps/25:44.626
- #O114 Korbin Grinolds, 170 Open, 11 laps/26:36.213
- #Y258 Declan Shields, 12 laps/25:09.538
- #Y250 Landon Morrow, 12 laps/25:13.748
- #Y212 Wyatt Cotter, 12 laps/26:59.629