Casey Folks
It’s always tragic when the off-road community loses one of our own, but even more so when it’s someone who’s had such an impact on so many people within the industry. Casey Folks was so much more than a race promoter, and the off-road community has shown just how much he was loved in the short time since his passing. Below are just a few of the many inspirational stories that show why this man was loved by so many.

  A video posted by Cory Winner (@corywinner_67) on

January 12th Casey Folks passed away. From my understanding he wasn’t the type of guy that would want pity. So I will say this, it was really kick-ass getting the chance to spend time with him and his wife.–A few weeks before the ‘#Vegastoreno’ race I got a call mid day.. On the line was a friendly older gentleman; Not knowing who he was but Happy he knew something about this race I was about to do. We talked for about a half an hour. I explained the bike I was Ironmaning with.. 250 Zongshen Rx3) We laughed at what a crazy idea it was being so heavy an under powered compared to the race bikes. He could tell I was nervous and did his best to remind me to enjoy myself and that I’d be ok—- I didn’t get to meet him or shake his hand until Casey and his wife found me hitchhiking down the highway.. It was mid race day.. after crashing my bike multiple times and running it out of fuel. I was so relieved when that truck pulled over. Maybe I hit my head harder then I thought. ‘That looks like #caseyfolks Mrs. Folks smiled and took a picture of me. Casey told me to hop in the bed, he’d take me to the pit for fuel. I was ready to quit at that point, Casey could tell.. Again he told me I’d be all right and to just keep moving on..We got a 5 gallon fuel tank and drove back to where they found me.—-As I was trying to get myself out of his truck bed. Casey came up, grabbed the fuel tank and started walking in the direction of my motorcycle… I was confused. Why the hell is he helping me? Why the hell is he carrying my gas tank? Every time I asked him for it, he’d say “Save your energy, you’re going to need it.”—-After a few hills and valleys we reached my motorcycle. Again we laughed at the size and power of the bike. He reassured me that I’d be all right.. Just keep moving.. So I did.—- I know that Casey took to me considering my disadvantage to the other racers… But deep down you can tell, He would like to see everybody always win.—- I would not have kept going if it wasn’t for him.. What a fun, crazy, inspiring experience that was. Thank you Casey Folks, Thank you Mrs. Folks. The final checkered flag. Booyah! #bestinthedesert @advmotomag #adventurebike

A photo posted by James Curran (@aheartsdesign) on

I first met my friend Casey Folks fourth of July weekend in 1975 at a motorcycle race with Tom Mannillo and Bob Maichle, I was still in high school. Started doing radios for him the next year for the Las Vegas 400. 5 or 6 of us idiots went to McCullough Hills mountain top out in Jean, with a Nevada Power auction truck that Bob owned, which Casey eventually bought, took all day to set up that first antenna, everyone left, I spent the night up there. Somethings never change. I really enjoy being the “radio guy” for Casey and Best In The Desert. Only have missed 2 races. Over 40 years of friendship. I will miss you my friend. I guess this makes me a old timer. My deepest condolences to Diane DeLauer, Bryan Folks, Daryl Folks, BITD staff, BITD volunteers and racers. RIP Casey #BestInTheDesert #bitd #kdawg

A photo posted by Keith Purmal (@keithkdawg) on