A RICH HISTORY AS LEADERS
IN OFFROAD RACING
Best In The Desert is proud to have over 35 years of storied history in the racing community to its name. Founded in 1984 by racing icon and industry legend Casey Folks, Best In The Desert started out as a motorcycle racing series and in 1996 grew to include four-wheel vehicles. By 2004, it was recognized world-wide as the premier off-road racing series. Learn more about our exciting history and unprecedented growth by browsing the timeline below.
1984
Best In The Desert Racing Association was established as a motorcycle racing association
1985-86
Best In The Desert consisted of two events: World Championship Hare and Hound and Las Vegas 300
1987
Established itself as an organization with a full series with a full three-race series: World Championship Hare and Hound, Las Vegas 300, and US Hare Scrambles Championship.
1988-89
The series grew adding one more event, the Mesquite Gran Prix.
1990
The first year the series had a points championship added another event Ely Gran Prix.
1991-93
The series continued to grow adding a variety of events and was recognized as one of the premier off-road racing organizations in the country.
1993-95
Best In The Desert founder Casey Folks teamed with Franco Acerbis and Acerbis Adventures to act as Race Operations Director and Event Coordinator for the Nevada Rally.
1996
Best In The Desert introduced four-wheel vehicles with the inaugural Vegas to Reno.
1997-99
The series began to phase out motorcycle-only events, although still included in the series, began to tailor racing events with the four-wheel community in mind.
2000
Nevada 2000 "Race into the Millenium" was born. Similar to Rally Racing, it was a 7-day, multi stage to celebrate the "New Millennium". 1st multi-day,.long distance event held on US soil.
2002
The series included the Ford Nevada 1000 as another multi day event.
2002-03
Best In The Desert series included an event in Mexico by adding the Baja Mex 300 to the calendar.
2005
The series brings back the Nevada 1000 “ The American Adventure Continues”sponsored by the McMillin family.
2006-11
The series grew to the premier professional off-road racing organization in the country.
2009
The series included “Vegas to Reno” The Long Way a 3 day staged event.
2012
As the series continues to grow, Best In The Desert partners with Mad Media to include the Mint 400.
2013
Series continues to grow and meet new milestones.
2014
Grows its partnership with Mad Media to include the UTV World Championship.
2016
Series celebrates 20th Anniversary of “Vegas to Reno” with 2 day staged event called “The Long Way”.
2017
Best in the Desert founder, Casey Folks crosses the finish line.
2017-18
Series continues to grow and meet new milestones.