Indianapolis, IN – – Actor Keanu Reeves completed his debut weekend in the Toyota GR Cup series at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, showcasing a determined spirit despite a spinout during Saturday’s race. The 60-year-old Reeves, known for his roles in films like “The Matrix” and “John Wick,” finished 25th in both races of the amateur-focused series.
Reeves competed against a field of 32 drivers in the Toyota GR Cup, driving the No. 92 BRZRKR car, a nod to the graphic novel he co-wrote with China Miéville, “The Book of Elsewhere.” He started Saturday’s race in 31st position and ultimately finished 25th after recovering from a spin on the exit of Turn 9 midway through the 45-minute race. Sunday saw a slight improvement in qualifying, starting 29th, but the race result remained consistent with a 24th-place finish.
The incident on Saturday saw Reeves briefly leave the track, but he skillfully avoided contact with barriers or other competitors, rejoining the race without incident. According to reports, he brought his Eagle Canyon Racing-prepared GR86 home in one piece, a few spots ahead of his initial starting position.
“Hi, I’m Keanu Reeves, I’m #92, the first [session] today was a blast,” Reeves said in an interview with the series’ social media team earlier in the weekend. When asked about his motivation for participating, he offered a simple explanation: “I don’t know, it’s fun. Racing is fun…it’s fun. Everyone says it’s fun, and it’s fun.”
The Toyota GR Cup series is a spec-racing series, meaning all competitors use the same model of car – the Toyota GR86 – ensuring a level playing field focused on driver skill. This makes it an ideal platform for amateur racers and those looking to transition into professional motorsport. The series served as a support event for the Indy 8 Hour race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Reeves’ participation drew considerable attention, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway teasing his appearance on its Instagram account prior to the event. The post, which featured a questioning caption – “Keanu Reeves? Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? 👀” – highlighted the novelty of a Hollywood star competing at the “Racing Capital of the World.”
While this marked Reeves’ professional racing debut, it isn’t his first experience on a racetrack. Details of prior track experience remain limited, but his enthusiasm for motorsports is evident. He was paired with Cody Jones from “Dude Perfect” as his teammate during Saturday’s race.
Qualifying for Race 2 saw Reeves post a lap time approximately six seconds slower than the pole position lap of 1:39.595 set by Spike Kohlbecker. The reigning GR Cup Champion, Gresham Wagner, started alongside Kohlbecker on the front row, demonstrating the competitive nature of the series even beyond Reeves’ participation.
Reeves’ foray into racing adds another layer to his diverse interests and talents. Beyond acting and writing, he has demonstrated a passion for motorcycles and now, competitive auto racing. His presence at Indianapolis undoubtedly brought a new audience to the Toyota GR Cup series and generated significant buzz within the motorsport community.
The weekend’s results demonstrate the challenges of competitive racing, even for a dedicated and enthusiastic participant like Reeves. While he didn’t contend for a podium finish, his ability to complete both races safely and improve his starting position in Race 2 showcases his commitment and adaptability. His participation underscores the appeal of motorsports and the accessibility offered by series like the Toyota GR Cup.
The Toyota GR Cup season finale concluded on , marking the end of the 2024 season. The series will likely resume in 2025, and it remains to be seen whether Reeves will continue his racing journey.
