Academy Award-Nominated Actor Jeremy Renner Named Grand Marshal of the 30th Anniversary Casey Folks Vegas to Reno

Hollywood Star to Lead Race Week Festivities and Compete in a Ford Raptor During America's Longest Off-Road Race

07/22/2026

RENO, NV (July 22, 2026) – Best in The Desert announced today that Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Jeremy Renner has been named Grand Marshal of the 30th Anniversary Casey Folks Vegas to Reno race happening August 12-16, 2026. "The Other Way" presented by Camburg / MagnaFlow will reverse course this year with drivers traveling from Reno to Vegas. Renner will not only lead race week festivities but is also scheduled to compete in America's longest off-road race behind the wheel of a Ford Raptor, becoming one of the featured competitors in this historic anniversary running.

Unlimited Off-Road Racing is partnering with Visit Reno Tahoe to help welcome competitors and fans to Reno for the historic 30th anniversary celebration before the race heads south across Nevada.

Jeremy Renner (photo credit joey.rigdon.cine)

In addition, RennerVation Foundation has been named the Official Charity of the 30th Anniversary Casey Folks Vegas to Reno. Founded by Jeremy Renner, the foundation creates meaningful experiences and provides long-term support for foster and at-risk youth. Throughout race week, the foundation will participate in select events and share more about its programs and community work.

Renner now joins the distinguished list of legendary racers, celebrities, and off-road icons who have served as Grand Marshal for one of the world's premier desert races. Throughout race week, he will participate in official ceremonies, meet racers and fans, wave the green flag before the race, and then take on the same rugged Nevada desert course as hundreds of competitors.

"We couldn't imagine a better Grand Marshal for the 30th Anniversary of Vegas to Reno," said Unlimited Off-Road Racing CEO Matt Martelli. "Jeremy's story is one of resilience, determination, and perseverance—qualities that define every racer who takes on this event. The fact that he'll also be competing in a Ford Raptor makes this even more special because he'll experience firsthand what makes Vegas to Reno one of the toughest races in the world. We are equally honored to welcome the RennerVation Foundation as the Official Charity of the event and look forward to working together to make a lasting impact beyond the finish line."

For three decades, the Casey Folks Vegas to Reno has stood as the longest point-to-point off-road race in the United States and one of the sport's greatest tests of endurance. Since its inaugural running in 1996, the race has challenged the world's best racers across Nevada's rugged backcountry while honoring the legacy of Casey Folks and his vision for desert racing.

The 2026 edition will be unlike any before it. For the first time in the event's history, competitors will race the legendary course in reverse, creating the unique "The Other Way" edition of Vegas to Reno. With more than 500 miles of unforgiving terrain and one of the deepest entry lists in the event's history, the 30th Anniversary promises to be one of the most memorable races ever.

“Nevada is home, so this one is pretty special,” said Jeremy Renner. “I’m excited to serve as Grand Marshal, take on the course and help bring greater attention to the young people and communities the RennerVation Foundation supports.”

Race week begins Wednesday, August 12, with registration, technical inspection, and pre-race festivities, where downtown Reno will transform into a celebration hub for the sport, offering fans opportunities to experience the drivers and vehicles before the race heads into the Nevada desert on Thursday, August 13. Over four days, hundreds of competitors from around the world will battle across Nevada on motorcycles, quads, UTVs, cars, trucks, and unlimited race vehicles before crossing the finish line in Reno.

Fans are encouraged to attend race week festivities, meet Jeremy Renner and the RennerVation Foundation team, and experience one of the most iconic events in off-road racing.

More information, racer registration, and spectator details are available at UnlimitedOffRoadRacing.com.

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About The RennerVation Foundation

Founded in 2023 by siblings Jeremy and Kym Renner, RennerVation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity with a mission to offer children in foster care and at-risk youth the chance to embrace a childhood filled with joy, growth and belonging. Leveraging decades of professional expertise within the child welfare system, RVF creates efficient and impactful programs that address the unique challenges faced by foster youth and young adults aging out of foster care. Current initiatives include Camp RennerVation and the Pave Your Way program. For more information, please visit www.rennervationfoundation.org and follow @officialrennervationfoundation.

About American Off-Road Racing Championship 

The American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC) is the premier desert off-road racing league in North America, created through the unification of Best in the Desert (BITD) and Unlimited Off-Road Racing (UNLTD).

Best in the Desert, founded in 1984 by legendary racer Casey Folks, is the longest-running and most respected off-road racing series in the U.S., with a legacy that includes iconic events like Vegas to Reno, the Silver State 300, the Parker 425, and the Laughlin Desert Classic.

Unlimited Off-Road Racing, established by the Martelli Brothers in 2023, produces world-class events such as The Mint 400, The California 300, and The Parker 400. UNLTD is recognized for its focus on innovation, storytelling, and large-scale racer participation, with events known for high car counts, challenging courses, pre-running, and family-friendly fan experiences near major markets.

Together under the AORC banner, BITD and UNLTD preserve the heritage of desert racing while building its future—offering racers, sponsors, and fans a unified championship built on clarity, consistency, and world-class competition.