For generations, the Nevada desert has served as one of the toughest proving grounds in motorsports. From relentless heat and endless high-speed terrain to punishing rocks, silt, and elevation changes, races like Vegas to Reno demand the same qualities Ford engineers into every Raptor: durability, capability, and performance under extreme conditions. That connection between production vehicles and competition is what continues to make stock-class off-road racing such an important part of Ford Racing's off-road program, reinforcing the brand's long-standing commitment to using racing as the ultimate proving ground for vehicles customers can buy and drive.
That philosophy takes center stage once again as Ford Racing returns to the Casey Folks Vegas to Reno — "The Other Way,” celebrating the race's 30th anniversary August 12-16. For the first time in event history, the legendary desert race will run in reverse, beginning just outside Reno and finishing near Las Vegas across more than 500 miles of Nevada desert. Widely regarded as one of the premier endurance races in North American off-road competition, Vegas to Reno has challenged drivers, teams, and vehicles for three decades while remaining a benchmark for durability, reliability, and outright performance.
“Desert Off-Road racing is the ultimate product development and marketing platform for Ford,” stated Kristen Goslawski, North American Off-Road Motorsports Supervisor, Ford Racing. “That’s precisely why we are engaged in supporting multiple teams, multiple vehicle platforms, and multiple racing disciplines in off-road. Vegas to Reno is not only a historically important race, but it also offers a very unique challenge in its distance, elevation changes, terrain, and brutal heat. We are excited to be a part of this iconic off-road race.”
Taking on the Stock Production Truck classes, Brad Lovell returns in the 3.5L F-150 Raptor, Loren Healy and Vaughn Gittin Jr. will share duties in the Ranger Raptor, and John and Nate Williams will compete in the F-150 Raptor R. Adding to the excitement, Bailey Campbell will tackle Nevada once again in her Bronco Raptor 4600, rounding out a formidable Ford lineup.
The lessons learned in racing extend across every level of the program: from purpose-built race vehicles to production-based stock classes, each competition provides valuable opportunities to validate technology, push vehicle development, and demonstrate the capability of Ford's off-road lineup in authentic racing environments. This race-to-road philosophy continues to shape the Raptor family, connecting the world's toughest competitions with the trucks customers drive every day.
