Baja Nevada successful despite active fire season

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The 2026 Baja Nevada off-road race roared through Lincoln County June 26-27, bringing competitors from across the western United States while navigating one of the most challenging race weekends organizers could have anticipated.

In the days leading up to the event, the Kane Springs and Grapevine fires prompted organizers with Legacy Racing Association to closely monitor wildfire activity and coordinate with the Bureau of Land Management and local agencies to ensure the race could proceed safely. Throughout race weekend, fire conditions remained under constant observation as crews continued working to contain multiple wildfires burning across eastern Nevada.

Despite those challenges, the two-day event was completed successfully, with racers covering approximately 636 miles of Nevada desert. Day one carried competitors through Lincoln County landmarks including Delamar, Dry Lake Valley, Pahroc Summit, Rachel, Railroad Valley and Warm Springs before finishing in Tonopah. Day two continued through central Nevada before returning to Tonopah for the finish.

Promoted as one of the longest off-road races in the United States, Baja Nevada attracted competitors from Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico and beyond.

Legacy Racing Association credited the event’s success to the many volunteers, agencies and community partners who helped make the race possible.

“From long days in the desert to early mornings and late nights, your dedication, hard work and passion made this event possible,” organizers said in a statement thanking volunteers. The organization also expressed appreciation to racers, spectators, staff, the livestream team, the BLM, local counties, the CasaBlanca Resort, Big Bend Ranch and numerous others who contributed behind the scenes.

Results showed Matthew Combs of Barstow, California, claiming the Overall Motorcycle title with an elapsed time of 9:52:03.657. Brent Fox of Highland, Utah, earned the Overall Car/Truck victory in 9:50:46.642, while Shawn Runyon of Hilliard, Ohio, captured the Legacy Legends class.

Following the event, organizers described the weekend as “two days of incredible racing, unforgettable battles, and all the highs and lows that make desert racing so special,” adding that every lap is another opportunity to improve, compete and continue to “Build Your Legacy.”

With another successful Baja Nevada now in the books, Legacy Racing Association thanked everyone who helped bring the event to life and said they look forward to returning next year.