RENO, Nev. — The legendary 2026 Casey Folks Vegas to Reno – “The Other Way” presented by Camburg / MagnaFlow returns August 12–16, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of America’s longest off-road race with a historic twist that has never before been attempted.
For the first time in the event’s history, competitors will race the course in reverse, traveling from Reno to Las Vegas across nearly 500 miles of Nevada’s most demanding desert terrain. Dubbed “The Other Way,” the anniversary edition honors three decades of off-road racing history while giving racers an entirely new challenge on one of the sport’s most iconic courses. This year’s event boasts 339 entries with 806 racers.
Watch the event live on SPEED SPORT 1.
Serving as one of five rounds in the American Off-Road Racing Championship, the race is expected to attract more than 300 teams from around the world, with championship battles tightening as competitors tackle one of the longest and most physically demanding races in North America.
“The 30th Anniversary of Vegas to Reno is more than a celebration of one race — it’s a celebration of the racers, volunteers, sponsors, and fans who have made this event one of the greatest traditions in off-road motorsports,” said Matt Martelli, CEO of Unlimited Off-Road Racing. “Running the course in reverse creates an entirely new race. Every note, every line, every strategy changes. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate thirty years while creating another chapter in the race’s incredible history.”
Festivities begin Wednesday August 12th as race teams qualify for critical start positions just outside of Reno at the Dayton Rodeo grounds from starting at 10 am. Qualifying is free and open to the public. Spectators are just asked to stay 100ft back from the course.
Thursday August 13th transforms downtown Reno into the largest off-road celebration in Northern Nevada during the Reno Off-Road Festival, where thousands of fans will experience championship race vehicles, manufacturer displays, sponsor activations, live entertainment, and driver meet-and-greets.
The free festival has become one of the premier off-road lifestyle events in the western United States, bringing together leading aftermarket manufacturers, race teams, industry partners, and off-road enthusiasts for an unforgettable day directly in front of the J Resort in the heart of downtown Reno.
Friday August 14th Following the Off-Road Festival in Reno, competitors will head south across nearly 505 miles of Nevada’s rugged high desert, navigating mountain ranges, dry lake beds, rocky canyons, and endless desert valleys before reaching the finish line in Las Vegas. Four-wheel Racers will launch from the start line at the Dayton Rodeo grounds at beginning at 10 a.m. Spectating at the star line is free and open to the public. Spectators are just asked to stay 100ft back from the course.
The reverse course presents a completely new challenge, even for veteran competitors who have raced Vegas to Reno for decades. Familiar landmarks become unfamiliar approaches, forcing teams to rethink race strategy, pit logistics, navigation, and vehicle setup.
With valuable championship points on the line, every mile will matter.
As the fourth round of the unified American Off-Road Racing Championship, Vegas to Reno represents one of the most critical races of the season.The event’s 505-mile course tests endurance, preparation, and reliability unlike any other race on the calendar. Mechanical failures, navigation mistakes, changing weather, and relentless terrain have historically made Vegas to Reno one of the toughest races to finish—making every championship point earned especially valuable. The world’s best Unlimited Trucks, Unlimited Class 1 cars, UTVs, motorcycles, and desert racing classes will all battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious victories.
Since its inaugural running in 1996, Casey Folks’ vision of creating America’s longest point-to-point off-road race has grown into one of the premier events in international desert racing. What began as an ambitious idea has become a bucket-list race for competitors from around the world, known for its breathtaking scenery, incredible challenge, and unmatched sense of adventure. Covering nearly the entire state of Nevada, Vegas to Reno has produced unforgettable moments, legendary victories, and countless stories of perseverance.
Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the race continues to honor Casey Folks’ legacy while pushing the sport into a new era through the unified American Off-Road Racing Championship.
