Decorated actor and Nevada resident Jeremy Renner has been named the grand marshal for August’s Vegas to Reno. He will also compete in the race itself, driving a Ford Raptor.

As part of his grand marshal duties, Renner will lead pre-race festivities in downtown Reno culminating in raceday on August 14, where he’ll wave the green flag before getting into his own Raptor to race. The RennerVation Foundation, his charity that supports foster and at-risk youth in the state, will host various events throughout the week.

“Nevada is home, so this one is pretty special,” Renner stated. “I’m excited to serve as grand marshal, take on the course and help bring greater attention to the young people and communities the RennerVation Foundation supports.”

Renner is best known for playing Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while also starring in the Mission: Impossible franchise and The Bourne Legacy. Since recovering from severe injuries sustained in a 2023 snowplow accident, he returned to acting with the 2025 film Wake Up Dead Man and the ongoing TV series Mayor of Kingstown.

He has received two Academy Award nominations for his work in The Hurt Locker (Best Actor) and The Town (Best Supporting Actor).

“We couldn’t imagine a better grand marshal for the 30th anniversary of Vegas to Reno,” UNLTD head Matt Martelli added. “Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and perseverance—qualities that define every racer who takes on this event.

“The fact that he’ll also be competing in a Ford Raptor makes this even more special because he’ll experience firsthand what makes Vegas to Reno one of the toughest races in the world. We are equally honored to welcome the RennerVation Foundation as the official charity of the event and look forward to working together to make a lasting impact beyond the finish line.”

Actors competing in desert racing is far from an unusual concept. The Mint 400, also held in Nevada, has attracted names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Patrick Dempsey, James Garner, and Steve McQueen. In the 1980s, Nissan fielded a celebrity team in HDRA which included the likes of Robert Hays, Kent McCord, and the late Chuck Norris.

With 2026 marking the 30th year for the V2R, it’ll be run in the opposite direction from Reno to Las Vegas.

Featured image credit: Gage Skidmore