The world of American desert racing is about to hit a major reset, and it's looking like the good old days are making a strong comeback. Two big names in the game, Best in the Desert and Unlimited Off-Road Racing, have joined forces to create the American Off-Road Racing Championship. This new setup promises to bring back the unity that made off-road racing such a thrill back in the day, while cutting down on the hassle for everyone involved—racers, sponsors, and the fans who live for the dust and drama.
Image credit: American Off-Road Racing Championship
Picture this: a season packed with legendary events that have defined desert racing for decades. It's not just about throwing races together; it's a deliberate move to streamline things and amp up the excitement. Officials from both organizations say the merger is all about delivering real value, making sure the sport grows stronger without losing its roots. For guys who've followed these races over the years, it's like seeing old friends reunite on the track.
The championship kicks off in January with the Parker 400 down in Parker, Arizona. Running from the 21st to the 25th, this one's a classic opener that throws racers right into tough terrain along the Colorado River. It's got that mix of challenge and history that keeps teams coming back, testing their machines and skills against some unforgiving landscapes.
Come March, things heat up in Las Vegas with the Mint 400, set for the 4th through the 8th. Known as the Great American Off-Road Race, this event has always been a standout. It's got massive turnouts, a vibe that's more like a festival than just a race, and a heritage that goes way back. Racers love it for the high-stakes action, and fans can't get enough of the spectacle—think big crowds, big energy, and stories that'll be retold around campfires for years.
Spring brings the Silver State 300 to Tonopah, Nevada, from April 22nd to 26th. This year's venue shift is a game-changer, promising more opportunities for passing and those intense side-by-side battles that make racing so addictive. Out in the remote Nevada backcountry, it's all about door-to-door competition, where strategy and raw power decide who comes out on top.
Summer starts with something a bit different: the Vegas to Reno Legends Rally, happening July 16th to 19th. This isn't your standard points race; it's more of a fun-run deal that lets racers and fans dive into parts of the famous course in a laid-back way. It's a chance to scout the terrain, jot down notes, and tweak setups ahead of the big show. For veterans of the sport, it's a nod to the community spirit that built off-road racing, offering a unique prep session that could make all the difference come race day.
That leads straight into the crown jewel, the Vegas to Reno itself, from August 13th to 16th. This point-to-point beast is the most prestigious off-road race in the States, and 2026 marks its 30th anniversary. Dreamed up by the late Casey Folks, a true pioneer in the scene, it's getting some fresh twists to celebrate the milestone. Expect new features that crank up the experience for everyone, from the drivers pushing their limits to the spectators soaking it all in.
Wrapping up the season is the Laughlin Desert Classic in Laughlin, Nevada, October 15th to 19th. This loop race is a fan favorite for good reason—it's packed with non-stop, door-to-door action and an atmosphere that's electric. It's the perfect closer, where championships get decided and legends get made.
What makes this 2026 lineup special is the format: five championship races where your top four results count toward the title. It's practical, fair, and gives teams a clear shot at glory without burning out. Leaders from both sides put a lot of thought into picking these events, aiming for a solid foundation that can carry the sport forward for the long haul.
Bryan Folks, CEO of Best in the Desert, put it best when he said it feels like a homecoming, with the band getting back together. Those core races—the Parker, Mint, Silver State, Vegas to Reno, and Laughlin—were the backbone of American desert racing once upon a time. Reuniting them under one banner stirs up that nostalgia, reminding everyone of the roots while signaling a brighter future with Unlimited Off-Road Racing.
Matt Martelli, the CEO over at Unlimited Off-Road Racing, echoed that by saying they went all-in to build the strongest calendar possible. It's about creating pillars for success, ensuring the championship stands tall.
And it's not just talk—progress is happening fast. Kilian Hamlin, event director for Unlimited, noted how this collaboration is wiping the slate clean and combining strengths. With the schedule locked in, the focus now is on the nuts and bolts: building teams, smoothing out processes, and delivering events that set a new standard.
On the rules side, things are shaping up too. The championship's rulebook is about 80 percent done, pulling the best from both organizations' playbooks. Class structures and numbering are set, with the final tweaks underway. Expect the full rulebook to drop soon, giving racers everything they need to gear up.
At its core, the American Off-Road Racing Championship is the top desert league in North America, born from this BITD and UNLTD merger. Best in the Desert started back in 1984 under Casey Folks, building a legacy with those iconic races that have stood the test of time. Unlimited Off-Road Racing, kicked off by the Martelli Brothers in 2023, brings fresh energy with events like the Mint 400 and Parker 400, emphasizing innovation, big participation, and fan-friendly vibes near big cities.
Together, they're preserving what made desert racing great while pushing it ahead. It's a unified front that offers clarity and consistency, with world-class competition that racers crave and sponsors love. For the fans, it's more chances to witness the raw adventure—the dust clouds, the mechanical battles, the triumphs over brutal terrain.
As the 2026 season approaches, the buzz is building. This isn't just another year of racing; it's a revival, a chance to relive the excitement that hooked so many on off-road action. Whether you're a longtime follower or jumping back in, these events promise to deliver the heart-pounding thrills that make the sport unforgettable. Keep an eye on bitd.com or unlimitedoffroadracing.com for updates— the desert is calling, and it's louder than ever.
