Spectators Invited to Experience the 30th Anniversary of America’s Legendary Desert Race
RENO, Nev. (June 24, 2026) – Northern Nevada’s summer of horsepower isn’t slowing down after Hot August Nights.
Just days after classic cars fill the streets of Reno Tahoe, Aug. 12-16, the region will host a historic racing event as the 30th anniversary of the Vegas to Reno off-road race runs from Northern Nevada to Southern Nevada for the first time ever.
Known as “The Other Way,” the 2026 edition of the iconic desert race will reverse its traditional route and begin in Northern Nevada before heading south toward Las Vegas, creating a brand-new challenge for competitors and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for fans to witness history in the making.
The multi-day event will bring racers, teams, and fans from across the country to Reno for pre-race events, including a festival at the J Resort and a parade through Reno, with racing set to begin near Dayton before traversing Nevada’s rugged desert terrain. Motorcycles will launch first, followed by trucks and UTV competitors as racers embark on one of the most demanding tests in off-road motorsports.
“Hosting the 30th anniversary of Vegas to Reno ‘The Other Way’ is an exciting moment for Northern Nevada,” said Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe. “This race has been part of Nevada’s motorsports story for decades, and having it start here for the first time creates a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience one of the most iconic off-road events in North America.”
The event showcases a side of Nevada that few places can replicate. Thanks to the state’s vast network of public lands and open desert terrain, Nevada has become synonymous with off-road adventure and endurance racing.
For many competitors, the race is also a family tradition. Since introducing youth racing opportunities, organizers have seen multiple generations of racers competing within the same event weekend, helping grow the sport while creating lifelong memories.
Fans can expect to see everything from motorcycles and UTVs to trophy trucks and cutting-edge off-road machines capable of traversing hundreds of miles of Nevada desert at remarkable speeds. Among the entries is the Red Bull Ford T1+, one of the most recognizable vehicles in international off-road racing and a machine built to compete in the Dakar Rally.
The event also carries special significance for Northern Nevada motorsports fans. Competitor Chad Hall, one of the race’s notable entrants, is the son of off-road racing legend Rod Hall, whose accomplishments helped shape the sport and are recognized at Reno’s National Automobile Museum.
Beyond the racing, organizers continue to prioritize responsible land use through cleanup initiatives and stewardship efforts that help protect the landscapes that make the event possible.
With Hot August Nights, the National Automobile Museum, off-road recreation opportunities, overlanding routes, and iconic destinations like the Rubicon Trail all contributing to the region’s automotive identity, Reno Tahoe continues to serve as a hub for enthusiasts who love life behind the wheel.
Spectator information, race schedules, and event details are available at Unlimited Off-Road Racing. Promotional photos and videos are available HERE.