Keanu Reeves nearly crashes during Pro Auto Racing debut at Indy 500 track

The Matrix star takes on the Toyota GR Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a near-miss on lap 9

eanu Reeves has made a name for himself in the world of film with his roles in action-packed blockbusters like The Matrix and John Wick, but this weekend, he traded the movie set for a high-octane track. The 60-year-old actor debuted as a professional race car driver at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a venue known for testing even the most seasoned drivers. However, Reeves’ debut didn’t go as smoothly as fans might have hoped.

The Toyota GR Cup Series race, which ran alongside the prestigious Indy 8 Hour event, marked Reeves’ entry into the competitive auto racing world. As someone who’s been a long-time motorsport enthusiast, this wasn’t the actor’s first foray into racing, but it was certainly his most challenging. With a field of 35 drivers, Reeves qualified in 31st place in his No. 92 BRZRKR car, a vehicle that also served as promotion for his graphic novel The Book of Elsewhere, which launched in July.

Keanu Reeves embraces new look for upcoming film at rock show

The real drama, however, unfolded during the race itself. On the ninth lap, while attempting a sharp turn, Reeves lost control of his Toyota. The car swerved off the asphalt, skidding into the grassy runoff area, dangerously close to colliding with another vehicle. The crowd at Indianapolis held its breath as the near-crash seemed inevitable, but Reeves managed to avoid disaster, narrowly keeping his car from serious damage or a multi-car pileup.

Despite the harrowing moment, Reeves remained unscathed and quickly returned to the track. Though shaken, the actor continued to push through the race, ultimately finishing in 25th place. It was a performance that, while far from podium-worthy, demonstrated his resilience and determination in an environment where milliseconds and precision mean everything.

Keanu Reeves’ longtime love for racing: From celebrity wins to professional challenges

This isn’t the first time Reeves has flirted with high-speed competition. Back in 2009, he clinched the win in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’s celebrity race, proving he had some skills behind the wheel. Yet, the stakes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were significantly higher, with Reeves competing against seasoned pros rather than fellow actors. It was a sharp learning curve, one that he clearly embraced despite the spinout.

As for what’s next, Reeves isn’t backing down. He’s set to compete in a second race on Sunday, determined to improve on his Saturday performance. With the Toyota GR Cup offering plenty of opportunities to test his limits, Reeves seems eager to prove that he’s more than just an actor in a race car.

His passion for motorsports is no secret. In addition to his recent race, Reeves has been spotted at numerous major racing events. Just this past July, he attended the MotoGP Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix in Germany, watching the action alongside his longtime girlfriend, Alexandra Grant. He’s also been a guest at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, where he marveled at the sheer speed and skill of professional drivers.

Though his pro racing debut wasn’t without its hiccups, Keanu Reeves is proving once again that he’s willing to embrace new challenges, whether on the big screen or the race track.