Clinical Racing Battles Through Adversity at the 2026 Mint 400
- Clinical Racing
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Clinical Racing returned to the desert for the 2026 Mint 400, taking on one of the most grueling courses in off-road racing with determination, speed, and resilience from start to finish.
Race week began with strong momentum as the team participated in the iconic Mint 400 Vehicle Parade down Las Vegas Boulevard, putting their truck on display in front of thousands of fans. That momentum carried into Tech and Contingency, where the vehicle was featured inside the Baja Designs booth, giving fans and industry insiders an up-close look at the team’s race-ready setup.
When the green flag dropped, drivers Steven Olsewski and Kyle Barber quickly found themselves facing early adversity. Just five miles into the course, the pair were caught in soft terrain behind another vehicle, bringing their momentum to a halt. It took approximately 20 minutes to free the truck and get back up to speed.
Despite the early setback, the team refused to let the race slip away. Steven and Kyle pushed hard through the field, methodically making up lost time. By the second pit, Clinical Racing had not only caught the competitor in their class but passed them and built an impressive eight-minute gap, showcasing the truck’s capability and the team’s determination to fight back.
At the end of the first lap, the driver change saw Mat Tessier and Mark Tessier take over for the second lap. With momentum on their side, the team looked to continue climbing. However, the unforgiving nature of the Mint 400 course had other plans.
During the second lap, the team suffered a mechanical failure that ultimately brought their race to an end in the infamous Beer Bottle Pass, one of the most technical and punishing sections of the course. The breakdown forced the team to retire, cutting short what had been a hard-fought comeback effort.
“The Mint 400 always finds a way to challenge you,” said Steven Olsewski. “Getting stuck early was not how we wanted to start, but the team fought back and proved what we are capable of. It is tough to have it end the way it did, but that is desert racing. We will take what we learned and come back stronger.”
Clinical Racing extends its sincere appreciation to all of its partners and supporters who made the 2026 Mint 400 effort possible. A special thank you goes to BlueDEF for its continued support and involvement in the Mint 400, including the race livestream featured on the PEAK Auto YouTube channel.
The team would also like to thank Tavern Grille, Mickey Thompson Tires, Baja Designs, MWhips, Reflex Wraps, Atlas Suspension, FK Rod Ends, PNDA Off Road, JE Reel, Rugged Radios, LP Engineering, and everyone else who contributed to getting the truck to the starting line.
While the final result was not what the team had hoped for, Clinical Racing once again demonstrated the grit, speed, and perseverance that define desert racing. The focus now shifts to the next race, where the team aims to build on the progress shown and return stronger than ever.
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