King of the Hammers 2025 a new era in off-road racing. Johnson Valley once again hosted the world’s toughest off-road race. This year made history as a UTV claimed the overall victory for the first time in 18 years. Kyle Chaney, driving a highly modified Can-Am Maverick R, dominated the Race of Kings, finishing over 30 minutes ahead. With thrilling battles across Hard Enduro, Desert Trucks, UTVs, and the Every Man Challenge, King of the Hammers 2025 proved to be a true off-road racing revolution.
From January 23 to February 8, 2025, the unforgiving landscape of Johnson Valley, California, once again played host to King of the Hammers, the world’s most grueling off-road competition. This edition proved to be a game-changer, delivering unexpected results and solidifying the event’s legendary status. More than 80,000 fans converged on Hammertown and its surrounding trails, eager to witness history unfold. The highlight of the event, the Race of Kings, took an unprecedented turn as a UTV claimed the overall victory for the first time in its 18-year history. Kyle Chaney, behind the wheel of a heavily modified Can-Am Maverick R, dominated the course, finishing more than 30 minutes ahead of his nearest competitor. Alongside the Race of Kings, other events featuring Hard Enduro motorcycles, Desert Trucks, UTVs, and the Every Man Challenge kept the excitement alive throughout the week.
Kyle Chaney’s Historic Victory at the 2025 Race of Kings
On February 8, the Race of Kings reaffirmed its status as the world’s toughest one-day off-road race. This year’s punishing course, crafted by Dave Cole, tested the limits of every competitor with three demanding laps:
Lap 1: A 65-mile desert sprint, pushing drivers to the limit.
Lap 2: An 85-mile challenge blending fast desert runs with treacherous rock sections.
Lap 3: A 75-mile final leg, kept under wraps until the night before the race.
As dawn broke over Johnson Valley, more than 100 competitors launched in pairs every 30 seconds, battling both the terrain and each other. Among the frontrunners were legends of the sport, including Loren Healy, Paul Wolff, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and the Gomez brothers, all eager to cement their place in off-road history.
The race began with Healy setting a blistering pace across the desert sections, closely followed by Wolff, Gittin Jr., and Chaney. However, as history has shown, no lead at KOH is ever secure. By the second lap, the landscape shifted to grueling rock obstacles, where mechanical failures and extreme terrain began eliminating top contenders.
Loren Healy faced major setbacks at Jack Hammer, losing valuable minutes. Wolff was forced to retire due to mechanical issues, and Gittin Jr. struggled with brutal obstacles that derailed his race. The ultimate shakeup came in the final stretch when Healy, suffering from fuel pump and traction failures, had no choice but to withdraw.
Kyle Chaney’s Rise to Glory
As the race unfolded, Kyle Chaney’s steady and calculated approach set him apart. While others faltered, he maintained control, methodically navigating the relentless challenges. Even after incurring a 15-minute penalty for a missed checkpoint, Chaney crossed the finish line victorious with a total time of 7 hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds, making history as the first UTV driver to win the Race of Kings.
Trailing behind him, JP Gomez secured second place with a time of 8 hours, 24 minutes, and 6 seconds, while Brian Caprara claimed third, rounding out the podium.
Chaney’s groundbreaking victory proved that strategic driving, mechanical management, and unwavering determination could triumph over brute horsepower and raw speed. His name is now etched in KOH history, forever changing the perception of what a UTV can achieve in extreme off-road racing.
Desert Challenge 2025: Speed, Endurance, and Strategy in Johnson Valley
The Desert Challenge 2025 set the stage for an electrifying start to King of the Hammers Week, captivating off-road fans with high-speed battles and tactical racing. Held on January 26-27 in California’s Johnson Valley Desert, the event put drivers to the test on a challenging terrain that demanded both raw power and precise handling.
The Desert Challenge 2025 featured a 64.9-mile (104.4 km) circuit running counterclockwise from the Short Course start. The track combined blistering sandy straightaways—ideal for top speeds—with rugged technical sections requiring expert maneuvering. Teams had access to two crucial pit zones: the Main Pit at the Short Course and a Remote Pit 13 miles (20.9 km) into each lap, providing key opportunities for fuel and mechanical adjustments.
The competition unfolded over two action-packed days:
January 26: Unlimited class qualifying and the Limited class race. The Limited class had already completed qualifying on January 25.
January 27: The Unlimited class race, where the fastest and most powerful vehicles took to the track.
Drivers had to balance aggression with strategy, managing their vehicles’ endurance and planning pit stops efficiently to stay ahead of the competition.
Christopher Polvoorde Dominates Once Again
A sense of déjà vu swept through the crowd as Christopher Polvoorde repeated his 2024 feat, seizing pole position in qualifying and delivering an unstoppable performance in the main event. Piloting his 1,000-horsepower Ford Raptor AWD Mason T1, Polvoorde controlled the race from start to finish, securing victory with a commanding time of 5 hours and 30 seconds. His back-to-back triumph solidified his reputation as the driver to beat in the Desert Showdown.
Fierce Battles for the Podium
Kyle Jergensen emerged as a standout competitor, securing second place overall and clinching victory in the T2 class. Despite piloting a less powerful 2WD truck, Jergensen stayed within striking distance of Polvoorde, crossing the line just six minutes behind him. His battle with JP Gomez intensified in the closing laps, with Jergensen ultimately claiming second after Gomez suffered a flat tire on lap four. Gomez, undeterred, maintained his pace to take third overall in his T1, finishing in 5 hours, 7 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Driver Insights: Reflections on a Tough Race
Christopher Polvoorde:
“It feels incredible. It was a long, demanding day on a brutal course, but also an amazing experience. Mike Kim and the team executed our strategy perfectly. There were so many moments where a single mistake could have ended our race. Some sections were insanely fast—hitting 130 mph—while others slowed us to a crawl over treacherous terrain. Winning back-to-back is a dream come true.”
Kyle Jergensen:
“We were focused on running a strong race in the spec class while keeping up with Christopher. We went all out on the first lap, and by the third, we had a solid lead in our class. Then I made a mistake on a tough climb, and the hood started coming loose. It flew off near the end, but overall, the truck held up great. The crew did an incredible job.”
JP Gomez:
“The first two laps were tough—I was dealing with a lot of dust and had to be patient to avoid flats. Once the air cleared on lap three, I pushed harder. Unfortunately, I got a little too aggressive on lap four and ended up with a flat. Still, it was a solid race, and I’m happy with the result.”
Class Winners
T1 (Unlimited Trucks) Champion: Christopher Polvoorde—securing back-to-back victories at the Desert Showdown.
T2 Class Champion: Kyle Jergensen—proving that skill and strategy can overcome raw power.
The Desert Showdown 2025 reaffirmed its status as one of the most thrilling and competitive races in the off-road world. With rivalries heating up and new talent emerging, fans are already looking ahead to what 2026 will bring to the unforgiving terrain of Johnson Valley.
Wilkey won the PRP Class 11
The Class was an electrifying display of grit and skill, pushing competitors to their limits in one of the toughest off-road categories. Blake Wilkey claimed victory after an intense battle, expertly navigating his Class 11 VW Bug through the relentless terrain of Johnson Valley.
Ryan Rodriguez set a blistering pace early on, leading for much of the race and keeping the pressure high. However, mechanical troubles in the final laps cost him the top spot, allowing Wilkey to capitalize and take control. With precise driving and smart strategy, Wilkey powered through to the checkered flag, finishing in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Mike Belk secured second place, while Rodriguez, despite his setbacks, held on for third. Their fierce competition underscored the extreme endurance demanded by Class 11 racing, where both mechanical reliability and driving prowess are key to success.
King of the Hammers 2025: Three Intense Days of Qualifying in Johnson Valley
The road to glory at King of the Hammers 2025 began with three action-packed days of qualifying on a newly designed, highly technical course. From February 3 to 5, top drivers battled to secure the best possible starting positions for their respective races. Here’s a recap of the key moments from each day.
– February 3, 2025 – Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Qualifying
The first day of qualifying saw fierce competition among the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship contenders.
4900 Pro Mod UTV: Ronnie Anderson posted the fastest lap, clocking in at 3:05.399, narrowly edging out Kyle Chaney by just 0.194 seconds.
4900 Pro Stock Turbo UTV: Joshua Smith secured the best time with a 3:15.678 run.
4900 Pro Stock NA UTV: Off-road legend Jeremy McGrath dominated his class with a time of 3:20.456.
– February 4, 2025 – Every Man Challenge (EMC) Qualifying
Day two was all about the Every Man Challenge, with competitors from the 4800 Legends, 4500 Modified, and 4600 Stock classes taking on the same demanding course as the UTVs.
4800 Legends: Shaun Rajski set the fastest time at 3:28.598, closely followed by Jeff Martin, who finished 1.629 seconds behind.
4500 Modified: Dan Wyrick secured pole position with a time of 3:51.377.
4600 Stock: Brad Lovell topped the leaderboard, completing his lap in 4:27.291.
– February 5, 2025 – Race of Kings (4400 Unlimited Class) Qualifying
The final and most anticipated day of qualifying belonged to the elite 4400 Unlimited Class drivers competing in the legendary Race of Kings.
Paul Wolff delivered a standout performance, securing pole position with a blistering time of 2:57.746.
Loren Healy followed just behind at 2:58.482, keeping the pressure high.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. rounded out the top three with a solid lap of 3:04.813.
These three days of qualifying set the stage for an electrifying main event in Johnson Valley, where speed, skill, and strategy will determine the next King of the Hammers.
Can-Am UTV Championship 2025: A Battle of True Off-Road Warriors
The Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship at King of the Hammers 2025, held on February 6, 2025, delivered an unforgettable spectacle for off-road enthusiasts.
This demanding competition, reserved for UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), is one of the world’s most grueling and selective, requiring a perfect combination of speed, technical skill, and endurance. The racecourse, known for its extreme difficulty, challenged drivers across 160 miles (approximately 257 km) split into two distinct laps: the first navigating the vast desert and the second tackling the punishing rock trails.
From the outset, Brock Heger of RZR Factory Racing set a relentless pace, immediately distancing himself from his rivals. His mastery of high-speed desert racing and technical rock crawling quickly became evident. By the end of the first lap, he had already carved out a significant lead, leaving his competitors struggling to keep up.
As the second lap unfolded, the challenges intensified, with mechanical failures and brutal terrain taking their toll on many racers. Yet, Heger remained flawless and composed, extending his advantage with every mile. No competitor came close to bridging the gap, and he crossed the finish line in a record-breaking time, becoming the only driver to complete the course in under four hours. His dominant performance earned him a commanding 26-minute lead over the second-place finisher.
This spectacular victory further solidifies Brock Heger’s reputation as one of the premier talents in off-road racing, adding yet another milestone to his recent triumphs at the 2024 Baja 1000 and the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Every Man Challenge 2025: A Spectacle of Grit and Determination
The Every Man Challenge 2025, a cornerstone of the legendary King of the Hammers, delivered an action-packed day of high-stakes racing, dramatic comebacks, and relentless competition. Designed to offer amateur drivers the chance to conquer the same brutal terrain as the Race of Kings, this year’s edition attracted an impressive field of contenders, each eager to test their mettle on one of the world’s most punishing off-road courses.
A Course That Tested the Limits
The 2025 race featured an unforgiving 150-mile course through the treacherous Johnson Valley terrain. Divided into two grueling laps, the competition demanded both raw speed and technical mastery, pushing drivers and their machines to the absolute limit.
The first lap—approximately 65 miles—was a high-speed sprint through the desert, where thick dust clouds reduced visibility and strategic navigation was crucial. Competitors had to balance aggression with caution, knowing that a single misstep could cost them valuable time or even end their race.
The second lap—around 85 miles—shifted the challenge to the legendary rock trails of Johnson Valley. Here, raw speed took a backseat to precision and endurance, as drivers fought their way through brutal rock-crawling sections that forced many into costly repairs or tactical reroutes.
A Battle to the Finish
From the opening miles, the intensity was palpable, with fierce battles unfolding at the front of the pack. One of the most remarkable performances came from Amber Slawson, who, starting from 30th position, staged an incredible charge through the field. Against all odds, she was the first to cross the finish line in physical time—a historic feat that would have made her the first woman to win the Every Man Challenge. However, following an official review and time adjustments, she was placed second overall and in the 4800 Legends class. Despite this, her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her skill, resilience, and determination.
Ultimately, Cody Young emerged victorious, securing the overall win with a time of 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 25 seconds. Slawson claimed the runner-up spot, while Cameron Steele rounded out the podium, finishing in 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 23 seconds.
The 2025 Every Man Challenge will be remembered as a true test of perseverance, skill, and sheer willpower—solidifying its reputation as one of the most grueling yet rewarding races in off-road motorsports.
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.
Looking Ahead to King of the Hammers 2026
With another thrilling chapter closed, the off-road world now sets its sights on King of the Hammers 2026. New challengers and seasoned veterans alike will return, eager to push the limits once more. If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that in Johnson Valley, anything is possible, and history is rewritten with every race.
