The King of the Hammers 2025 took place from January 23 to February 8 in the Johnson Valley desert in California. This annual event, known as one of the most challenging off-road competitions in the world, once again lived up to its reputation. As tradition dictates, it attracted over 80,000 spectators who packed Hammertown and the various public areas along the most famous trails of the Lakebed. The most anticipated race, the Race of Kings, delivered a historic result: for the first time in 18 years, a UTV claimed the overall victory. Kyle Chaney, driving a modified Can-Am Maverick R, crossed the finish line more than 30 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. All the other races on the schedule also delivered intense competition, featuring Hard Enduro motorcycles, powerful Desert Trucks, UTVs, and 4x4s in the Every Man Challenge.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

The 2025 edition of King of the Hammers featured a full schedule of races that thrilled the thousands of enthusiasts who traveled from all over the world to witness an event that is unique in terms of spectacle, adrenaline, and the variety of disciplines involved.

- January 25-26: King of the Motos, a competition dedicated to Hard Enduro motorcycles.

- January 31 – February 2: Desert Challenge, a race featuring the powerful and fast Desert Trucks.

- February 3-5: Qualifiers for UTVs, Every Man Challenge, and Race of Kings.

- February 6: UTV Hammers Championship, focused on side-by-side vehicles.

- February 7: Every Man Challenge.

- February 8: Race of Kings, the main event reserved for the 4400 Unlimited class, which made history with an unprecedented outcome. For the first time in 18 years, a UTV claimed the overall victory. Kyle Chaney, driving a modified Can-Am Maverick R, crossed the finish line over 30 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. This victory marks a milestone, as the 4400 Unlimited class has traditionally been dominated by high-performance, high-horsepower vehicles.

The Race of Kings 2025, held on Saturday, February 8, once again proved its reputation as the toughest one-day off-road race in the world. This year’s course, designed by Dave Cole, tested competitors with three distinct laps:

The first lap: 65 miles of mostly desert terrain.

The second lap: 85 miles combining desert stretches and rocky sections.

The third lap: 75 miles, kept a mystery until the night before the race.

The race started just after sunrise with temperatures still chilly. Over 100 drivers launched off in pairs every 30 seconds, ready to take on the brutal challenges of King of the Hammers. Among the favorites were veterans and former champions such as Loren Healy, Paul Wolff, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Kyle Chaney, and the Gomez brothers, all determined to cement their legacy in off-road history.

From the opening miles, Loren Healy took the lead, pushing his Ultra4 at incredible speeds across the initial desert stretch. Behind him, Paul Wolff and Vaughn Gittin Jr. kept up the pace, followed closely by Kyle Chaney and JP Gomez. The race seemed poised for an epic showdown, but KOH is unpredictable, and fortunes can change in an instant.

By the second lap, as the course shifted to the more technical rock sections, mechanical issues began to take their toll on the frontrunners. Healy struggled at Jack Hammer, losing precious minutes. Wolff suffered a major mechanical failure that forced him to retire, while Gittin Jr. struggled through some of the toughest obstacles, severely compromising his race.

The final twist came in the last lap: Healy was forced to withdraw due to fuel pump and front traction issues, leaving the fight for victory wide open.

Amidst the chaos and the unexpected leaderboard shakeup, Kyle Chaney showcased consistency, skill, and strategy, expertly managing his vehicle and the race’s challenges. While other drivers faltered or dropped out, he maintained a steady and controlled pace.

Despite a 15-minute penalty for missing a checkpoint, Chaney crossed the finish line with a time of 7 hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds, becoming the new King of the Hammers 2025.

Behind him, JP Gomez secured second place with a time of 8 hours, 24 minutes, and 6 seconds, followed by Brian Caprara, who completed the podium.

With this victory, Kyle Chaney not only etched his name into King of the Hammers history but also proved that race intelligence and perseverance can triumph over even the most experienced competitors. This year’s course underscored just how much this competition is the ultimate off-road challenge, demanding speed, mechanical endurance, and the ability to conquer extreme obstacles.

The 2025 Race of Kings reaffirmed its status as the pinnacle of global off-road racing. With emerging talents and seasoned veterans eager to reclaim the crown, anticipation for King of the Hammers 2026 is already sky-high!

In the heart of the California desert, the King of the Motos 2025 kicked off the U.S. Hard Enduro season with an edition defined by extreme conditions. Over two days of pure endurance, the world’s best extreme enduro riders battled across a brutal course filled with rocks and fast desert sections. Covering a total of over 75 miles on unforgiving terrain, only the most determined riders reached the finish line.

The ultimate victor was Trystan Hart, who, despite a hand injury, demonstrated absolute technical dominance.

- January 25 – Day 1:

The opening day featured a race with two consecutive laps, each around 11 miles (17.7 km), totaling 22.2 miles (35.7 km). Riders started in groups, with two-minute intervals between different classes. The results from this day determined the starting order for the following race.

- January 26 – Day 2:

The second day included four laps, with groups of 10-20 riders starting at a time. The lap distances were:

. Lap 1: 8 miles (12.9 km)

. Lap 2: 10 miles (16.1 km)

. Lap 3: 12 miles (19.3 km)

. Lap 4: 12 miles (19.3 km), with an additional technical section near the finish line.

The total distance for Sunday was approximately 42 miles (67.6 km). A refueling point was available at the end of each lap for riders to refuel and perform necessary maintenance.

Despite suffering a fractured finger on his left hand, Canadian Trystan Hart from the FMF KTM Factory Racing team clinched victory, displaying remarkable determination and skill. Australian Will Riordan from Sherco USA secured a well-earned second place, while American Ryder LeBlond completed the podium with a solid performance throughout the competition.

The King of the Motos is renowned for its extreme conditions, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Riders faced unforgiving terrain, from desert sands to complex rock formations, pushing both their skills and their bikes to the limit. Navigational ability and mechanical management were crucial for success in the race.

The King of the Motos 2025 once again solidified its status as a cornerstone event in U.S. hard enduro racing. The combination of a challenging course and a world-class rider lineup delivered a thrilling spectacle for fans.

As part of King of the Hammers 2025, the Desert Challenge was one of the most highly anticipated events, kicking off KOH Week. Held on January 26-27 in the Johnson Valley Desert, California, the competition highlighted the technical skills and strategic prowess of participants on a demanding and varied course.

The Desert Challenge 2025 course covered 64.9 miles (approximately 104.4 km) per lap, with vehicles running counterclockwise starting from the Short Course. The track featured a mix of long sandy straightaways, perfect for high speeds, and technical sections over rough terrain, requiring precision and control. There was a Main Pit located on the Short Course and a Remote Pit situated 13 miles (about 20.9 km) from the start of the lap, providing teams with strategic points for refueling and mechanical interventions.

Two Days of Intense Competition: The Desert Challenge unfolded over two distinct days:

- January 26: Qualifying day for the Unlimited class drivers and the Limited class race. Limited class competitors had completed their qualifying runs on Friday, January 25.

- January 27: The Unlimited class race took place.

The competition demanded that drivers strike a delicate balance between speed and resource management, considering both vehicle wear and the need for refueling at designated pit stops.

Fans experienced a sense of déjà vu from 2024, as Christopher Polvoorde once again claimed the pole position during qualifying and carried the momentum through to Sunday’s race. Behind the wheel of his 1,000-horsepower Ford Raptor AWD Mason T1, Polvoorde dominated the entire competition, leading from start to finish and crossing the finish line with a final time of 5 hours and 30 seconds. This back-to-back victory further cements his position at the top.

Not far behind, Kyle Jergensen delivered an impressive performance, finishing second overall and securing the T2 class win. Despite driving a 2WD truck with significantly less power, Jergensen finished just six minutes behind Polvoorde, showcasing remarkable driving skills. His battle with JP Gomez intensified in the final laps; Jergensen secured second place after Gomez suffered a flat tire on the fourth lap. Still, Gomez maintained a solid performance, securing third overall in his T1, with a finishing time of 5 hours, 7 minutes, and 22 seconds.

Driver Reactions:

Christopher Polvoorde commented:

"It’s a great feeling. It was a long day and a tough course, but also a really fun one. Mike Kim, the team, and I had a plan, we stuck to it, and now we’re here. I’m grateful to be in this position. Mike Kim kept me calm the whole time. There were plenty of moments where we could have made big mistakes. Some sections are super fast, where you’re hitting over 130 mph, and others where you’re going 2 mph, worried about falling off a cliff. I’m thrilled to have won two years in a row."

Kyle Jergensen added:

"We were running our race in the spec class, and Christopher was out front. We pushed really hard on the first lap. Sean was calling everything perfectly, and the truck was running great. We wanted to build a comfortable lead, and by the third lap, we had a margin of two minutes and 30 seconds. Then I made a mistake in one of those tricky climbs, and the hood started coming off. Honestly, our only real issue was that the hood flew off at the end. It might look like there’s a lot of damage, but the truck is in great shape. The crew should be really proud because everything worked perfectly."

JP Gomez reflected on his race:

"It was a good race. In the first two laps, I was eating a lot of dust. I tried to be patient and avoid flats. On the third lap, I really opened it up. There was no dust, and we were just being careful out there. You can make a mistake in any corner and get a flat. I got a flat on the fourth lap when I got a little too excited. I didn’t know exactly where I was, and I didn’t want to take any risks."

Winners by Class:

T1 Class (Unlimited Trucks):

- Overall Winner and T1 Class winner: Christopher Polvoorde. Polvoorde repeated his success from the previous year, securing back-to-back victories in the Desert Challenge 2025.

- Classe T2: Kyle Jergensen

These results underscore the high level of competition and the diverse range of vehicles and drivers that took part in the Desert Challenge 2025, highlighting both the skill of the competitors and the performance of their machines across multiple classes.

The PRP Class 11 Showdown at King of the Hammers 2025 delivered an intense and thrilling battle, showcasing the resilience and skill of the competitors in one of the most demanding off-road categories. Blake Wilkey emerged victorious after a hard-fought race, demonstrating his mastery behind the wheel of his Class 11 VW Bug in the punishing desert terrain of Johnson Valley.

From the start, Ryan Rodriguez set a blistering pace, leading for much of the race and keeping the competition on edge. However, mechanical issues in the final laps cost him the lead, allowing Wilkey to seize the opportunity and take control. With calculated driving and strategic precision, Wilkey powered through to secure the win, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Mike Belk followed closely behind, securing second place, while Rodriguez, despite his setbacks, managed to hold on to third place. Their battle highlighted the extreme endurance required to compete in Class 11, where mechanical durability is just as crucial as driver skill.

Wilkey's Reaction

After claiming victory, Wilkey expressed his excitement:

"This win means everything! The course was brutal, and we had to stay focused the entire time. Class 11 racing is a true test, and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible team and supporters. We pushed hard, stayed consistent, and it paid off!"

With another PRP Class 11 Showdown in the books, Wilkey's triumph cements his status as a top contender in the category. The race once again proved why Class 11 remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable divisions in off-road racing.

The King of the Hammers 2025 qualifying sessions took place on a brand-new, highly technical, and spectacular course. From February 3 to 5, 2025, drivers battled to secure the best possible starting positions for their respective races. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the qualifying sessions.

- February 3, 2025 (Monday): Qualifying for the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship.

The first day of qualifying featured the competitors of the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship.

In the 4900 Pro Mod UTV class, Ronnie Anderson clocked the fastest time at 3 minutes and 5.399 seconds, with Kyle Chaney trailing by just 0.194 seconds. In the 4900 Pro Stock Turbo UTV class, Joshua Smith set the best time at 3 minutes and 15.678 seconds. In the 4900 Pro Stock NA UTV class, Jeremy McGrath dominated with a time of 3 minutes and 20.456 seconds.

- February 4, 2025 (Tuesday): Qualifying for the Every Man Challenge (EMC).

The second day was dedicated to the Every Man Challenge qualifying. Competitors in the 4800 Legends, 4500 Modified, and 4600 Stock classes tackled the same technical course as the UTVs.

In the 4800 Legends class, Shaun Rajski posted the fastest time of 3 minutes and 28.598 seconds, with Jeff Martin finishing 1.629 seconds behind. In the 4500 Modified class, Dan Wyrick secured the top spot with a time of 3 minutes and 51.377 seconds. In the 4600 Stock class, Brad Lovell was the fastest, recording 4 minutes and 27.291 seconds.

- February 5, 2025 (Wednesday): Qualifying for the Race of Kings (4400 Unlimited Class).

The final day of qualifying was dedicated to the prestigious Race of Kings.

Paul Wolff stunned everyone with a blazing time of 2 minutes and 57.746 seconds, securing the pole position. Loren Healy followed closely with a time of 2 minutes and 58.482 seconds. Vaughn Gittin Jr. rounded out the top three with a time of 3 minutes and 4.813 seconds.

The King of the Hammers 2025 delivered an unforgettable spectacle for offroad enthusiasts with the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship, held on February 6, 2025.

This competition, dedicated to UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), is one of the toughest and most selective in the world, demanding a perfect combination of speed, technique, and endurance on an extremely challenging course that spans both desert terrain and rock trails.

The 2025 edition saw competitors tackle a grueling 160-mile (approximately 257 km) course, split into two laps: the first through the desert and the second featuring the treacherous rock trails.

From the very first miles, Brock Heger of the RZR Factory Racing team set an unmatched pace, leaving his rivals struggling to keep up. In the first lap, Heger immediately demonstrated his dominance, maximizing his vehicle’s speed across the desert while confidently navigating the rocky sections. By the end of the first lap, he had already established a significant lead over his pursuers.

As the second lap unfolded, many drivers faced mechanical issues and increasingly difficult obstacles, but Heger remained flawless and consistent. No competitor managed to close the gap, and the RZR Factory Racing driver crossed the finish line with a record-breaking time, becoming the only racer to complete the course in under four hours and securing an impressive 26-minute lead over the runner-up.

This remarkable victory further cements his status as a top driver in the off-road world, adding to his recent triumphs at the 2024 Baja 1000 and the 2025 Dakar Rally.

The Every Man Challenge 2025, one of the most anticipated competitions within the legendary King of the Hammers, delivered an electrifying day filled with adrenaline, action, and unexpected twists. Designed to give amateur drivers the chance to compete on the same brutal terrain as the Race of Kings, this event attracted an outstanding field of participants and produced unforgettable performances across all categories.

A Brutal and Demanding Course. This year's extreme course pushed both drivers and machines to their limits, covering a total of 150 miles through Johnson Valley's unforgiving desert landscape. The race was divided into two grueling laps, featuring a mix of high-speed desert sections and treacherous rock trails, making it even more challenging than previous editions.

The first lap, approximately 65 miles long, took competitors across vast desert stretches, including dry lake beds and sandy tracks. With limited visibility due to thick dust clouds, navigating the high-speed sections required precision, endurance, and strategy to avoid costly mistakes.

The second lap, around 85 miles, tested drivers in the heart of Johnson Valley’s legendary rock trails. Here, the challenge shifted to technical precision, demanding an expert balance between speed and strategy. The brutal rock-crawling sections claimed numerous victims, forcing many competitors to stop for repairs or carefully manage fatigue.

An Unforgettable Race!

From the very start, the competition was intense, with several drivers battling for the lead. One of the most incredible stories of the day was written by Amber Slawson, who, starting from 30th position, managed to cross the finish line first in physical time. Her result would have made her the first woman to win the Every Man Challenge, but an official review and the application of time adjustments relegated her to second place both in the overall standings and in the 4800 Legends class. Nevertheless, it was an extraordinary performance that showcased her talent and determination.

In the end, the overall victory went to Cody Young, who completed the race in 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 25 seconds. The second step of the overall podium was taken by Amber Slawson, while Cameron Steele secured third place, finishing his race with a time of 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 23 seconds.

Here are the final standings of the Every Man Challenge 2025:

Overall Standings:

1st – Cody Young (#4862) – Total time: 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 25.348 seconds.

2nd – Amber Slawson (#70) – Total time: 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 17.780 seconds.

3rd – Cameron Steele (#16) – Total time: 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 23.154 seconds.

4800 Legends Class:

1st – Cody Young (#4862) – Total time: 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 25.348 seconds.

2nd – Amber Slawson (#70) – Total time: 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 17.780 seconds.

3rd – Cameron Steele (#16) – Total time: 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 23.154 seconds.

4600 Stock Class:

1st – Brad Lovell (#4621) – Total time: 5 hours, 39 minutes, and 2.079 seconds.

2nd – Bailey Cole (#4613) – Total time: 6 hours, 33 minutes, and 43.133 seconds.

3rd – John Williams (#4623) – Total time: 9 hours, 41 minutes, and 1.625 seconds.

4500 Modified Class:

1st – Dan Wyrick (#218) – Total time: 8 hours, 55 minutes, and 26.067 seconds.

2nd – Steve Crawford (#4532) – Total time: 10 hours, 14 minutes, and 54.2671 seconds.

3rd – Shawn Rants (#4531) – Total time: 10 hours, 16 minutes, and 15.526 seconds.

A Race to Remember!

The Every Man Challenge 2025 was undoubtedly one of the most intense and fiercely contested editions to date. The combination of speed, strategy, and technical skill made for a spectacular event, proving once again why King of the Hammers remains the ultimate proving ground for extreme off-road racing.

The 2025 edition of King of the Hammers marked a turning point in off-road history, delivering epic moments and surprising results. Among the most talked-about victories was Kyle Chaney’s historic triumph in the Race of Kings, where he stunned the off-road world by winning with a UTV. His victory is a testament to technological advancements and strategic evolution, proving that the established hierarchy of the event can still be shaken.

At the same time, competitions like King of the Motos reaffirmed the extreme selectivity and brutality of this legendary event, pushing both riders and machines to their absolute limits.

Another standout name from this year’s event is Amber Slawson, whose remarkable performance reinforced the fact that off-road racing is not just a man’s world. Her determination and skill are clear indicators of how women are gaining more recognition and respect in some of the toughest motorsport disciplines, tackling the same grueling challenges as the best drivers in the field.

With intense battles, adrenaline-fueled action, and unforgettable twists, King of the Hammers continues to set the gold standard in off-road racing. And now, all eyes are already looking ahead—the wait for 2026 has officially begun.