Honda’s Most Off-Road Capable SUV Conquers the Grueling Mint 400

Honda’s most off-road capable SUV took on the Mint 400, with the *Baja Passport* running strong in Unlimited Class and the *2026 Passport TrailSport* proving its durability.

The Baja Passport made a bold debut at the 2025 Mint 400, proving its capability in one of the toughest off-road races in the U.S. Competing in the Unlimited Class, the SUV-bodied race truck ran as high as second overall before a mechanical issue ended its charge.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport tackled the grueling 73-mile course in the Stock Production class, demonstrating the rugged capability of Honda’s latest SUV.

The Baja Passport started strong with an eighth-place qualifying effort, putting its turbocharged 3.5L V6-powered SUV in the mix against high-horsepower V8 trophy trucks.

Driven by 18-year-old Ethan Ebert, the race truck quickly climbed through the field, reaching fifth place after the first lap. A quick pit stop for fuel and fresh tires kept the momentum going, and by the end of lap two, the Baja Passport had surged to second overall.

Unfortunately, a mechanical issue early in lap three ended its run. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic for the upcoming Baja 500.

In the Stock Production class, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, piloted by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART), proved its durability on the punishing course.

An early mechanical issue required the SUV to be towed back to the pits, setting the team back, but they pressed on, completing multiple laps into the night despite brutal conditions. Driver Jordan Guitar and navigator Thomas Accardo pushed through the darkness, ultimately finishing fourth in class and 28th overall out of 62 competitors.

Both Honda entries were met with overwhelming enthusiasm from off-road fans, who appreciated the Baja Passport’s unique V6 sound and the TrailSport’s determination to finish the race.

Jeff Proctor, Team Honda Baja Passport Principal, reflected on the performance: “We may not have won, but we showed we have the pace to run up front. We’re hungry for results at the Baja 500 in June.”

Andrew Shapiro, driver of the Passport TrailSport, added: “The Mint 400 is the toughest off-road race in the U.S., and it was a great challenge to push the new Passport TrailSport to its limits.”