The world-renowned General Tire Mint 400 Off-Road race has been acquired by the Martelli Brothers—partners in the nationally recognized marketing/production group, Mad Media. The brothers immediately signed a multi-year partnership with, Casey Folks, of the “Best in the Desert” fame, to manage the event, and has retained the race creator, Norm Johnson, as a consultant.

The Mint 400 will now become part of the “Best in the Desert American Off-Road Racing Series,” but will definitely remain open to privateers. Hundreds of race teams have indicated they are looking forward to the return of the Mint 400, and those glorious days of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. The Mint had its first race in April, 1968, and was proclaimed a classic after it first race by legendary motorsports commentator/journalist, Chris Economaki. The 2012 Mint 400 will take place the weekend of March 23-25, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Martelli brothers, Matt and Josh,  and Folks have already begun to improve the event (it was promoted by a local organization the last three years), by reinstating popular features from the Mint’s early years: A new 400-mile race course located in Jean, Nv. (where some of the original Mint 400 races were held), which will feature a high speed passing zone near a dedicated spectator area, as well as rocky washes, silt beds, high-speed graded roads, and even a notorious rock garden. The famous Miss Mint 400 contest has also been re-instated.

In helping to bring back those memorial events, Mad Media has reached out, and obtained, the assistance of its creator, Las Vegas resident and retired racer, Norm Johnson. Johnson was the director of advertising and publicity for the Mint Hotel in 1967, when he came up with the idea of an off-road race to promote the hotels Annual Deer Hunters promotion. The first Mint 400 was raced in 1968, and Johnson remained a consultant on the race for a number of years, working closely with former NASCAR racer, Mel Larson. Larson took command of the race in 1969, when Johnson was promoted to another Del Webb owned hotel, The Thunderbird, on the Las Vegas Strip.

“I think what Matt and Josh (the Martelli brothers) and Casey have in mind for the revival of the Mint, is absolutely what the race has needed,” Johnson said. “Casey is a true competitor (having won the motorcycle class in 1973-74), and has proven to be a great promoter of desert racing. He knows the desert and the history of the Mint 400!”

“We’ve expanded the reach of the Mint 400 dramatically, by increasing the TV coverage with our partner FUEL-TV, and by partnering with www.Race-Desert.com. for live tracking and web coverage during the race,” Joshua Martelli said. “We are determined to elevate the Mint 400 back to being the most important off-road motorsports event in the world, one year at a time.

Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DJRT), a “Full Throttle” lifetime experience company, announced today the grand opening of its Las Vegas operations will be held starting Saturday, Jan. 21. The festivities will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will feature ride and drive opportunities. Additionally, NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett will be on hand to meet the public and provide customers with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding along, as he puts the company’s new fleet of NASCAR-style race cars through their paces around the mile and a half D-shaped oval race course.

After 14 successful years of providing individual and corporate customers with what professional golfer Phil Mickelson called “the greatest thrill on earth” on many of the most famous NASCAR tracks in the country, Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure has expanded its operations nationwide with the opening of their new Las Vegas hub.

“Our expansion to Las Vegas has always been a key focus for us,” said Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure CEO, Tim Shannon. “Following several successful years at Talladega SuperSpeedway, we felt the time was right to make the transition from a regional to national company.”

The westward expansion also marks a greater involvement of the Jarrett family in the operations of the company, as Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Vice President, Glenn Jarrett, will be overseeing the Las Vegas operations.  Additionally, Dale Jarrett has become proactive in personally helping promote the Las Vegas opening, not only through his appearance during the grand opening, but with his behind-the-scenes work with some of the major players within the Las Vegas entertainment industry to create awareness of the fact that the best NASCAR-style racing school in the country has finally come to town.

“Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a great race track and the perfect location to establish our western operations,” commented Dale Jarrett.  “With Las Vegas being one of the nation’s leading entertainment and convention destinations, it’s ideally suited to significantly expanding our corporate outing clientele as well as growing the size of our potential retail market and the additional revenues and profits both represent.”  In addition to being a NASCAR Champion, Dale Jarrett is also ESPN/ABC’s top NASCAR racing analyst, was named as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers and was also named the 2004 USG Person of the Year, a prestigious award acknowledging Dale’s off track work with charities as well as his accomplishments on the track.

Racing packages begin at $195 and racers can choose between riding shotgun for four laps or taking control of the wheel for 6, 10, 20, 40 or even 60 laps around Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A special 20-lap ride along with Dale Jarrett is available on select dates. All packages include driver and safety orientation, with all drivers fit for a fire-retardant racing suit, a full-faced Bell helmet and HANS safety device. Drivers must be 18 years or older and no racing experience is necessary.  For additional information and to reserve race packages, call 888-Go-Race-1 or visit www.racingadventure.com.

About Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure

The Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure offers racing fans the opportunity to race an authentic race car on a major racetrack.  Our racing “adventurers” enjoy a life-defining experience.  They receive vital training from top racing instructors, wear real racing suits and safety gear, and pilot a race car that was once driven by one of the racing greats. Hand signals from the instructor teaches you to race like the pros.  We surpass “follow-the-leader” approaches and teach guests to race like NASCAR drivers, find the line, draft, and pass for optimum fun. Our 100% safety record and numerous celebrity endorsements testify to the excitement and unforgettable thrill of our racing adventure.

The Strip’s Biggest Tease to Give a Personal Autograph Session at Excalibur

The girls of FANTASY will give National Final Rodeo (click link to book) fans a little more something to celebrate with a special 2012 Ultimate FANTASY calendar signing in The Rotunda at Excalibur Hotel and Casino on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec.6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Before fans head to NFR that night, the sizzling group from the seductive revue at Luxor will host a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans to meet the performers for an up-close-and-personal autograph session. The gorgeous ladies of FANTASY will get in the rodeo spirit dressed in their ‘cowgirl’ number outfits to sign their newly released 2012 calendar.

The stunning ladies, styled by Emma Carlsen from Lickerish, Inc., shot the exclusive 2012 Ultimate FANTASY calendar at the Strip’s top high roller destinations including SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and the Villas at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. The calendar features photography by renowned celebrity photographer, Willy Camden, who recently shot calendars for Carmen Electra and reality TV star Audrina Patridge. The new calendars are distributed nationwide by BrownTrout Publishers, Inc., a leader in sexy celebrity calendars.

Celebrating its 12th successful year on The Strip, FANTASY has shaped itself into one of Las Vegas’ leading adult revues. Dynamic lead singer Lorena Peril adds an exciting and unforgettable element with her amazing powerhouse vocals as she takes center-stage alongside a talented cast of beautiful dancers. Great for singles and couples alike, the sexy production showcases 15 high-energy numbers set to a variety of today’s top music genres. While the gorgeous dancers lure guests into their wildest fantasies, comic relief Sean E. Cooper keeps audiences on their toes with his spot-on impressions of some of pop culture’s most recognizable personalities.

Book Now and Save: FANTASY

Book Now and Save: National Final Rodeo

Book Now and Save: Excalibur Hotel

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (click link to book) is one of the largest and most revered annual rodeos in the country.  And once again, Boyd Gaming will be bringing the biggest names in rodeo and entertainment to its Las Vegas Valley properties during the 2011 WNFR, including the return of National Finals Tonight, and World Champion Bull Rider Gary Leffew’s Legendary Buck’n Ball at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino.

For the fifth year, the award-winning National Finals Tonight program will be presented in the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino’s showroom. The program will run nightly beginning at 10:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. on December 4) during WNFR. Admission is free and open to the public.

National Finals Tonight is a post-show wrap-up of each day’s rodeo events, featuring rodeo highlights and interviews with some of the most recognizable names in the world of professional rodeo. Eight-time World Champion and Hall of Fame Cowboy Don Gay, along with World Champion Tie-Down Roper and All-Around Cowboy Joe Beaver and TV personality Dan Miller, will host the program.

Scheduled special appearances include legendary rodeo announcers Bob Tallman and Boyd Polhamus. The world’s top cowboys and cowgirls will also stop by for interviews and audience Q & A sessions.

Attendees will also be eligible for nightly free drawings, including autographed Fender guitars from various country artists, including country music legend George Strait, obtained through the courtesy of Wrangler. One guitar will be given away during each of the 10 nights of the show.

For the second year, Gold Coast will also host World Champion Bull Rider Gary Leffew’s Legendary Buck’n Ball. This free nightly rodeo after party will be held in the Arizona Ballroom at the Gold Coast, featuring live music by Members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band, as well as local favorite Scotty Alexander; dancing; a mechanical bull; and drink specials for attendees. Doors open nightly immediately following the NFR performance.
Additional Boyd Gaming WNFR event highlights include:

Boyd Gaming is recognized as a major sponsor at WNFR
o   Thomas & Mack Center – 4505 S. Maryland Parkway
o   Wednesday, December 7, at 6:45 p.m.
o   Boyd Gaming produces the evening’s opening special presentation and will distribute hand-held American flags to the first 15,000 rodeo attendees
o   The U.S. Armed Forces will be highlighted and saluted during the evening’s opening ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Navy Band Southwest from Naval Base San Diego and a U.S. Army Memorial Calvary Troop will be featured.

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
WNFR viewing parties nightly
o Gold Coast Showroom

The Bob Tallman Wrangler NFR Charity Bowling Event, benefiting the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities
o Gold Coast Bowling Center
o Saturday, December 3 at 11 a.m.
o Pre-registration, tickets and sponsorship information available at http://lasvegas.speedwaycharities.org/

National Finals Tonight
o Suncoast Showroom
o 10:30 p.m. nightly (6:30 p.m. December 4)

The Legendary Buck’n Ball
o Arizona Showroom, Gold Coast
o Starts immediately after NFR activities conclude each night

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
WNFR viewing parties and live music at Roxy’s Saloon
o   Randy Anderson Band, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
o   Live WNFR Viewing Parties, 6:45 p.m.-9 p.m.
o   Cowboy Band featuring Ron Keel as Ronnie Dunn, starting 9:30 p.m. nightly
o   Special schedule Dec. 4: Viewing Party 12:45 p.m.-3 p.m.; Randy Anderson Band 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Cowboy Band, starting 8 p.m.

Mechanical Bull Contest
o Two sessions per night (December 2 – 10), starting at 5 p.m. nightly
o Cash Prizes paid to the top 5 finalists in each session

Shepler’s Western Wear
o   Store hours 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; special Indian Jewelry Trunk Show, December 3-4
o   Special Sale Tent in Sam’s Town parking lot open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during WNFR; autograph signings on Saturday’s December 3 and 10
o   Special promotions at both stores during WNFR

Cowboy Santa in Mystic Falls Park
o Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

The Orleans Hotel and Casino
Lee Ann Womack (click link to book)
o   The Orleans Showroom
o   Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4, each evening at 8 p.m.
o   Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com.

Charlie Daniels Band
o   The Orleans Showroom
o   Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, each evening at 8 p.m.
o   Tickets are available starting from $33.00, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com.

For further information about all Boyd Gaming WNFR events, visit www.boydgaming.com/nfr

Book Now and Save: Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Book Now and Save: Charlie Daniels Band

Book Now and Save: Lee Ann Womack

Book Now and Save: Gold Coast Hotel and Casino.

Book Now and Save: Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

Book Now and Save: Orleans Hotel and Casino

The official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this morning as Cantor Gaming and The Venetian (click link to book) unveiled their revolutionary Race and Sports Book on the Las Vegas Strip. Lee Amaitis, president and chief executive officer of Cantor Gaming, and John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian Las Vegas, The Palazzo Las Vegas, and Sands Expo and Convention Center were both in attendance to cut the ribbon together.

This new Race and Sports Book is now complete after a three month multi-million dollar refurbishment project spanning approximately 10,000 square feet. With the installation of one of the world’s largest high definition 4mm black video screens dedicated to multiple sports games and races. The screen is capable of showing 34 independent high definition sporting events simultaneously. In addition, this state-of-the-art Race and Sports Book offers surround sound, a sleek design and the largest number of carrels in any Cantor Gaming Race and Sports Book. Photo credit: Jacob Andrzejczak/ImagesOfVegas.com.

Book Now and Save: The Venetian Hotel

Book Now and Save: The Palazzo Hotel

MMA stars Arianny Celeste, Miesha Tate, Natalie Skyy, Frankie ‘The Answer’ Edgar and Tito Ortiz visit Las Vegas Fight Shop inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for a series of meet and greets Oct. 28 and 29.

On Friday, Oct. 28, Las Vegas Fight Shop welcomes UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste, Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate and MMA ring card girl Natalie Skyy.  From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Celeste, Tate and Skyy will be available to meet fans and sign autographs free of charge.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, current UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar will be available to meet with fans and sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  A second meet and greet will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz.  Both events with Edgar and Ortiz are free and open to the public.

About Miracle Mile Shops:

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is a 1.2 mile retail/entertainment complex at the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip featuring 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants and three live entertainment venues.  The center is home to PBR Rock Bar & Grill, boasting a Strip-side location with excellent food, drinks and bull riding; H&M; Sugar Factory, the sweet shop adored by Hollywood’s hottest celebrities; American clothing line and complete lifestyle brand Original Penguin; GUESS; Urban Outfitters; True Religion Brand Jeans; 15,000-square-foot bar and restaurant Cabo Wabo® Cantina; Las Vegas’ very own Sin City Brewing Co.; Club Tattoo, featuring some of the best tattoo artists and body piercers in the nation; the only House of Hoops by Foot Locker in the city; as well as a multi-million dollar fountain show.  Miracle Mile Shops is owned by David Edelstein and Aby Rosen, in conjunction with leasing and marketing consultant Robert K. Futterman & Associates LLC.

Miracle Mile Shops is open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday – Saturday.  For more information, call (888) 800-8284

Book Now and Save: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Book Now and Save: UFC 137 – Penn Vs. Diaz on Oct 29

Book Now and Save: UFC – The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale on Dec 3

Book Now and Save: UFC 141 – Alistair Overeem Vs. Brock Lesnar on Dec 30

The control room at American Wagering is sportsbook central. All bets are managed there, whether they come from Leroy’s Sportsbooks, a kiosk at PT’s Pub or now an iPhone. ”You now have a legal sports betting app that can be used here in the state of Nevada,” said American Wagering Senior Vice President John English. English’s company has released the nation’s first mobile sports betting app on the iPhone. Read more

A sea of red will flood the high-definition TVs as McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino hosts a viewing party for the Ohio State vs. Wisconsin game on Saturday, Oct. 29. The powerhouse programs, both wearing red, are knee-deep in the conference schedule as they look to push ahead of each other in the standings.

The Buckeyes and Badgers tied for first place in the Big Ten just a season ago, and McFadden’s plans to help the home team by offering great game day specials to all Ohio State fans. An hour prior to kickoff, the party bar will become the pregame place to be as all Ohio State fans enjoy 25 cent Coors Light drafts. Throughout the game, guests will knock back $5 mimosas, bloody Marys and Buckeye Bombs as they watch every pass, play and tackle. Additional Buckeye specials include $5 25-ounce mugs of Coors Light, Heineken or Dos Equis, $15 buckets of Coors Light, and $20 buckets of Heineken and Dos Equis. For only $8.95 each, hungry OSU fans can devour Cincinnati-style Chili, Potato-packed Perogies, a special Buckeye Burger or McFadden’s own O-H-I-O Panini Sandwich.

Sin City’s rowdiest party bar has hosted such celebrities as Steve-O, Vanilla Ice, a handful of Playboy Playmates and a variety of adult entertainers. McFadden’s presents nightly specials including: Laid Back Mondays, Ultimate Karaoke Tuesdays, Wayback Wednesdays, Beerfest Thursdays, The Party Open Bar Saturdays and Sin Sundays. McFadden’s gorgeous Lucky Charms and jovial Ministers of Hospitality ensure everyone has fun, whether they’re there to watch the game, throw back a few drinks, play beer pong, or simply enjoy a bite to eat. Best known for its beers and libations, McFadden’s offers a full bar featuring dozens of favorite draught beers, 90-ounce fishbowl cocktails and frozen drinks.

McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon is open from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Saturday 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 702.270.6200

Book Now and Save: Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino

Related Links:

McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon

The Las Vegas Locomotives (Locos) are ready to give fans a great home opener at Sam Boyd Stadium as they take on the Omaha Nighthawks Saturday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.

Fans can look forward to a night full of great football and fun promotions before, during and after the game as they see the team in action for the first time during the 2011 United Football League (UFL) season.

Festivities will begin prior to kickoff with the unveiling of the 2010 UFL Championship banner.  The first 2,000 fans to arrive at Sam Boyd Stadium will receive free Locos rally towels.  Pregame fun will also include a Fan Fest starting at 3 p.m. with ‘Tailgating Olympics,’ interactive football drills, bounce houses for the kids and inflatable obstacle courses.  The coin toss will be performed by a lucky ESPN 1100/98.9 Radio listener.

Halftime entertainment will be provided by the Locomotion dance team along with any youth cheerleaders who attended the dance team’s Oct. 2 cheer camp. The Locomotion held several cheer and dance camps throughout the summer, and final rehearsals for the halftime performance took place during the Oct. 2 camp.

Following the game Locos players, coaches and dance team members will be available on the field for autographs and pictures.  Finally, a post game fireworks show will put the cap on a great night of football and fun!

The Locos return to Sam Boyd Stadium on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. to face the Sacramento Mountain Lions and on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. to take on the Virginia Destroyers.  Fans can expect more spectacular entertainment before, during and after kickoff at these games. Promotions for the remaining home games will be announced in the weeks leading up to each game.

About the Las Vegas Locomotives

The Las Vegas Locomotives are the two-time defending champions of the United Football League (UFL). Led by Head Coach Jim Fassel, the team plays all home games at Sam Boyd Stadium and is the last of the four original UFL franchises to continue playing in its original home city. Fassel also serves as president and general manager of the franchise. Known as ‘The Locos’ to local fans, the team has developed a strong following throughout Las Vegas by maintaining an active role in the community and showing strong leadership both on and off the field. Complete team and ticket information can be found online at www.lasvegaslocos.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 702.877.LOCO.

Caesars Entertainment is committed to providing guests with the most innovative and exciting gaming experience and are offering sports fans the exclusive opportunity to place bets on unique NHL Props as well as NFL Rivalry Week bets.

With the first puck being dropped in less than one month, hockey fans can place fun wagers that will last the entire season utilizing the NHL Prop Bets.  Options range from betting on the over/under for the goal leader and assist leader to whether or not a Canadian-based franchise will win the 2012 Stanley Cup.  Patriotic fans who follow players from a certain country will also get the chance to bet on the goal leader from countries such as Russia, Australia and Canada.

For NFL fans who follow their team religiously, the Rivalry Week bets will allow these guests to cheer for their favorite team as well as against their rivals every week.  The bet is designed so rivalries can be matched up on a weekly basis without having to actually play each other on the field.  This innovative offer is exclusive to Caesars Entertainment sports books, and is masterminded by Todd Fuhrman, the senior sports book analyst at Caesars.  The idea of using point spreads from two separate games and creating Rivalry Week Matchups for sports fanatics to analyze and bet on opens the door to many exciting opportunities and debuts this season at all Caesars sports books.

HOW: Examples of a few of the creative NHL prop bets for the upcoming 2011-2012 Season:

Most Goals Scored – Russian Goal Leader
Alexander Ovechkin (WAS) -8½ -130
Ilya Kovalchuk (NYJ) Even

Will a Canadian Franchise Win the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup?  YES +400  NO -500

The Rivalry Week betting lines stem directly from the point spreads of the two NFL games involved in the bet.  For example, in the Border War Matchup between the historic Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints played on Sept. 8 with a point spread of Saints +4.5 and a point total of 48, which meant that the projected score for the game was 26.5 to 22, respectively.  For the other side, the point spread for the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons game was Bears +3, with a point total of 40.5.  This generated the expected result of 18 to 21, respectively.

Packers – 26.5 points
Bears – 18 points
Saints – 22 points
Falcons – 21 points

With these expected number of points scored for individual teams, the Rivalry Week Bets are born.  The Border War Matchup between the Packers and Bears had a point spread of Bears +8.5 (26.5 to 18), with the combined total for the two teams at 44.5.  Similarly, the NFC South Supremacy Matchup was set at Falcons +1 versus the Saints (21 to 22) with a total of 43 points.

WHEN:            Continues through the duration of the NHL and NFL regular seasons

WHERE:         All Caesars Entertainment sports books