At just 22 years old, Mathias Armand, the reigning Ultra4 Europe Stock class champion, is gearing up for his next big challenge: the Every Man Challenge at King of the Hammers 2025. Along with his team, 143 Motorsport, Mathias is set to take on one of the toughest offroad races in the world, bringing his European racing experience to the brutal terrain of Johnson Valley. Competing in the same Stock class where he triumphed in Europe, Mathias is ready to prove himself on the global stage, aiming for finish on time in an event that tests every aspect of an offroad racer’s skill and endurance.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

The American Dream symbolizes freedom, adventure, and boundless opportunities. For European offroad enthusiasts, this dream takes on a specific form: competing in the legendary King of the Hammers. Held annually in the California desert, this race represents the pinnacle of an Ultra4 Racing career and the ultimate achievement for many drivers.

Like the American Dream, KOH embodies the idea of pushing limits, overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, and living a one-of-a-kind experience. For Europeans, reaching the starting line of this race is more than a sporting goal: it’s a journey requiring sacrifice, dedication, and ambitious vision, much like the dream of seeking new opportunities in the American land of promise.

Competing in the King of the Hammers is the modern equivalent of the exploration myth: leaving behind certainties, crossing the ocean, and confronting brutal terrain and top-tier competition. It’s a dream that drives European drivers to envision a future where they can compete and shine on the international stage, earning the respect and glory that only such a race can offer.

And just like the American Dream, the King of the Hammers celebrates the courage to chase the impossible. For many, crossing the finish line is not just a sporting victory but a symbol of a dream fulfilled.

The King of the Hammers (KOH) is more than just a race. It's a phenomenon that has redefined offroad motorsport. What began in 2007 as a friendly challenge among a small group of enthusiasts has evolved into one of the most demanding and prestigious events in the world.

The inaugural race was born out of a simple wager: 13 friends (later known as the OG13 although in reality they were 12) competed for nothing more than a case of beer. Set in the harsh terrain of Johnson Valley, California, the race combined high-speed desert sections with treacherous rock crawling, creating a unique format that pushed both drivers and vehicles to their limits. With no rules or structured organization, that first event captured the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that continues to define KOH.

By 2008, the event had begun to take shape as an organized competition, complete with spectator areas, media coverage, and a growing list of participants. Its reputation as "The Toughest One-Day Off-Road Race in the World" quickly spread, attracting both elite drivers and ambitious amateurs eager to conquer the unforgiving terrain.

Today, King of the Hammers is a week-long off-road festival, featuring multiple classes, including the Every Man Challenge for modified production vehicles, UTV racing, and the legendary 4400 Unlimited Class. The course, now spanning over 200 miles, combines grueling desert stretches and nearly impassable rock trails, challenging even the most skilled drivers.

Each February, Johnson Valley transforms into "Hammertown," a temporary city that becomes the heart of offroad culture. Tens of thousands of fans gather in person, while millions tune in via live streams to witness the action. The event has also become a proving ground for innovation, influencing offroad vehicle design and technology worldwide.

From its humble beginnings as a race for beer to its status as a global icon, KOH embodies the spirit of resilience, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Every Man Challenge (EMC) at King of the Hammers offers a unique opportunity for offroad enthusiasts of all skill levels to compete in one of the most demanding races in the world. While the 4400 Unlimited Class is reserved for the elite, the EMC is designed to be more inclusive, allowing both experienced racers and passionate amateurs to tackle the same brutal course.

The EMC features several classes based on vehicle modifications, including:

- 4600 Stock Class. The Stock class rules are simple—and probably the most restricted at the same time. You can basically run your trail rig as long as it meets the following characteristics: stock OEM frame, factory engine, factory transmission, 35-inch DOT tires, single 2.5-inch diameter shocks per corner and mechanical steering.

- 4500 Modified Class: Essentially, the 4500 Modified class is the next step up from Stock. It’s limited in what you can do but it’s far more open and budget-friendly than the 4400s. It’s a 37-inch tall DOT tire class that also requires rigs to be steered directly by the driver. That means that there is no hydraulic steering, you’re not moving a valve to turn the tires. You can have a hydro-assist, but the steering wheel must be connected to a steering box that’s connected to the wheels. You’re also limited to two shocks per corner that are 2.65-inches in diameter with a stroke of 14-inches. They must also be connected directly to the axle, so you can’t make a cantilever suspension or anything that would give it a mechanical advantage to increase the suspension rate to increase wheel travel. The biggest cost saver, though, is that the entry must be a production vehicle and the body must resemble an OEM body. There is also a limitation to what you can do to the frame. So, there needs to be something that replicates the cab, bed, doors, fenders, hood, and other body pieces that the original truck or SUV you’re entering as. They can be modified for clearance, but only enough for clearance. You can run any make engine and the only limitation is engine location; The rear of the engine block must be located in front of the furthest forward portion of the driver’s seat. Other than that, there isn’t much else limiting the Modified class. 

- 4800 Legends Class. With the extreme advancement of the 4400 Class, a lot of rigs were made less competitive in a short amount of time. In recognition of that and wanting to give these rigs a place to run, the Legends class was created to allow these rigs to race. These rigs are limited to a two-seater rig with a front-engine, single shock per corner, solid axles, and 37-inch DOT tires. Other than that, there isn’t much limiting the 4800s and they are a call back to the early years of KOH. This technically makes the 4800s a much easier step up to the 4400 class and the King of the Hammers. Adding a set of longer shocks and bigger tires for that race can make these rigs rather competitive against the 4400s. Many 4800s have been rebuilt to 4400 rules without much modification, thus making them an economical way to go from EMC to KOH. Well, relatively economical considering you’re still building a $300,000 to $500,000-plus vehicle for either class. To date, though, no rig has won the EMC and the KOH in the same week.

The EMC plays a crucial role in King of the Hammers, providing an entry point for a wide range of drivers, from seasoned professionals to passionate amateurs, all while maintaining the thrill and difficulty of the race. It’s a true test of skill, endurance, and the spirit of adventure.

At just 22 years old, Mathias Armand, an offroad enthusiast from the south of France, has already made a name for himself in the world of Ultra4 racing. As the current Ultra4 Europe Stock class champion, Mathias has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, earning his title through hard work and a passion for the sport. His next big challenge is the Every Man Challenge at King of the Hammers 2025, one of the most demanding offroad races in the world.

Mathias, together with his team, 143 Motorsport, is no stranger to competitive offroad racing. Having started at a young age, his journey into Ultra4 racing has been one of commitment and dedication. With the experience gained in Europe, Mathias is now focused on bringing his talents to the American desert to compete at the highest level.

For the 2025 edition of King of the Hammers, Mathias will race in the Stock class, the same category in which he secured his European championship. This class offers a unique challenge, requiring racers to rely on their driving skills and vehicle setup to navigate the extreme terrain of Johnson Valley. The Every Man Challenge provides a platform for up-and-coming racers like Mathias to compete on a global stage without the financial demands of the more elite classes, making it the perfect opportunity for him to take his career to the next level.

With 143 Motorsport, Mathias is surrounded by a dedicated team, all sharing the same goal: to succeed in one of the toughest offroad events in the world. The team’s strategy is to combine their European racing experience with a fierce determination to tackle the challenges of the Hammers course.

As they prepare for this exciting new chapter in their racing journey, Mathias and 143 Motorsport are ready to take on the desert, prove their skills, and demonstrate that they can compete with the best. The road ahead is tough, but for Mathias, it’s another step toward achieving his dreams on the world stage.

In this interview, we talk to Mathias, the 22-year-old Ultra4 Europe Stock class champion, about his upcoming challenge at the Every Man Challenge in King of the Hammers 2025. With his team, 143 Motorsport, Mathias is ready to tackle one of the toughest races in the world. Get an inside look at his journey, preparation, and what drives him to race at the highest level.

- Let's start this interview with a short introduction of you? 

“Hello, my name is Mathias Armand, I’m 22 years old. I live in a small town in the south of France called Apt. I work as a car breakdown technician in the family business. I started off-roading at the age of 10 with my dad in a Mercedes G, then moved on to crawlers.”

- What was your first Ultra4 Europe race and why did you decide to race in these races? 

“My first race in Europe was the King of France 2022.

For us, this kind of race seemed inaccessible, even more so with our small budget. After a long discussion with Nicolas Montador, where he explained the key points of safety and regulations, my childhood friend Grégory Gaillard and I decided to participate in this race. We bought the Patrol in completely original condition 8 weeks before the race, and the preparations were completed at the last moment!”

- This year you graduated as Ultra4 Europe European Champion in the Stock category, what other  U4E results have you achieved in the past years? 

2022: 

- King of France: 1st in 4600 class 

- King of Portugal: 2nd in 4600 class 

- Championship: 3rd in 4600 class 

2023: 

- Breslau: 2nd in Ultra4 class / 1st in 4600 class 

- King of Portugal: 1st in 4600 class 

- Championship: 1st in 4600 class  

2024: 

- King of Portugal Lite: 1st in 4600 class 

- King of France: 1st in 4600 class 

- Championship: 1st in 4600 class

- What does the King of the Hammers represent for you! 

“For me, the King of the Hammers (KOH) is a childhood dream: going there to experience the atmosphere, see the most beautiful vehicles, and meet the greatest drivers! I believe it’s a dream for every driver, and even more so for us Europeans.”

- Why did you decide to participate in the King of the Hammers Every Man Challenge? 

“We decided to take part in the King of the Hammers Every Man Challenge to compete against the top drivers in the category and also to participate in the most beautiful race in the world with our faithful “Pat’Patrouille.” After winning 5 races and 2 championships, we wanted to take on the ultimate challenge!”

- What do you fear most about the EMC? The first lap in the desert or the second through the rocky trails? 

“What scares me the most about the Every Man Challenge is the second section in the rocks because I really can’t imagine what to expect. I know the passages are very challenging, but will they be so difficult that we’ll face significant trouble? That remains my biggest concern.”

- A brief description of your Nissan Patrol? 

“It’s a 1989 Nissan Patrol Y60 with a 6-cylinder 2.8L turbo engine, a homemade roll cage, 35-inch tires, a reinforced chassis and axles, and large-diameter Fox Performance suspension.”

- Did you make any specific changes to your Patrol for the race in California? 

“We made a few modifications for the race in California, such as raising the suspension by an additional 5 cm, installing a 120L fuel tank instead of the usual 60L, adding a Lowrance GPS system lent to us by WSR, and upgrading to higher-quality and better-performing Vision X lights.”

- Introduce us the team that will accompany you on this adventure? 

“The team consists of: Pedro Lamy (co-driver), Céline Pactet (logistics) and 7 mechanics:

Grégory Gaillard, Damien Mauro, Christophe Solassol, Loïc Maistrello, Florent Ratz,Vincent and Noah Jacquet. 

They are all long-time friends or acquaintances.”

- How will your team be organized in Hammertown and how did you organize the assistance during the race? 

“We don’t yet fully know how everything will unfold, so the team is prepared to adapt as we receive more information—likely at the last moment! On race day, there will be three teams: two will be stationed at pits along the course with pickup trucks, and one team will be at the Hammertown pit. We’ll communicate via CB radio and phone.”

- So far, what has been the most difficult thing in organizing this American adventure? 

“I think the hardest part so far has been obtaining essential information. For example, two weeks ago we learned we had to undergo pre-tech checks since we’ve never raced there before. This wasn’t written anywhere; we only found out by talking with American drivers. We’re learning new things every day, so we’re staying alert to potential new issues. We sent an email in June to confirm our race number and were told we’d get an answer later. We still don’t know if the number on the car is correct.”

 - Finally, what is your goal for the Every Man Challenge?

“Our goal for this race—and achieving it would be incredible—is to be finishers, crossing the finish line within the allotted time!” 

- List your partners and sponsors.

“Our sponsors are: K'ayman Off Road 4x4, Ets Chaudière Concession Ifor Williams, WSR Offroad,

Alexandre Sayer Automobiles, Ocria-Bière, Débroussaillage-Élagage Entre Terre et Ciel, MRS Team, NPCrew 4x4, Viau et Armand Dépannage, Eymieu Carrosserie, Groupe Sofami, Sne Premier, Vision X Europe, LumiDrive, ARB 4X4 Accessories Europe, Promyges, Alumax Racing and, of course, my family and friends, who help us every day!”

Thank you Mathias, we can’t wait to see you in action on February 4th for the qualifying and on February 7th for the race.

By clicking here, you will find the ultimate guide to King of the Hammers 2025. 

Let’s support Team 143 Motorsport in this incredible adventure!

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