King of the Hammers: Complete Class & Event Guide (Feb 1–8 2026)

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King of the Hammers (KOH) is a full week of racing, side events, and off-road culture in Johnson Valley, California. From youth short-course racing to unlimited 4400 cars, UTVs, motorcycles, and even electric one-wheel competitions, something is happening nearly every hour of the day.

Below is a complete breakdown of all KOH race classes in numerical order, followed by additional attractions and events, with times included wherever applicable.


King of the Hammers Race Classes


170 – KOH Kids Short Course

Youth racing on a closed short course inside Hammertown.

Key events & times

  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Monday • Approx. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Race:
    • Tuesday • Approx. 5:00 PM

Why it matters

  • Family-friendly
  • Easy viewing
  • A great intro to KOH racing

4400 – Race of Kings (Unlimited)

The flagship event of King of the Hammers features the fastest and most extreme off-road race cars in the world.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Wednesday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Race of Kings Power Hour:
    • Wednesday • 3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Friday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Race of Kings (Main Event):
    • Saturday • 8:00 AM start
  • Awards Ceremony:
    • Saturday • Approx. 4:00 PM

4500 – Everyman Challenge (Modified)

Modified trail rigs that still resemble real vehicles raced as part of the EMC.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Monday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Everyman Challenge Power Hour:
    • Tuesday • 3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Thursday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • EMC Race:
    • Friday • 8:00 AM start
  • Awards:
    • Friday • Approx. 4:00 PM
  • Optional Lap 3 Experience:
    • Saturday • Approx. 6:00 PM

4600 – Everyman Challenge (Stock)

One of the most popular and relatable classes at KOH.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Monday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Everyman Challenge Power Hour:
    • Tuesday • 3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Thursday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • EMC Race:
    • Friday • 8:00 AM start
  • Awards:
    • Friday • Approx. 4:00 PM
  • Optional Lap 3 Experience:
    • Saturday • Approx. 6:00 PM

4800 – Everyman Challenge (Legends)

Veteran drivers and proven builds competing alongside EMC.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Monday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Everyman Challenge Power Hour:
    • Tuesday • 3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Thursday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • EMC Race:
    • Friday • 8:00 AM start
  • Awards:
    • Friday • Approx. 4:00 PM
  • Optional Lap 3 Experience:
    • Saturday • Approx. 6:00 PM

EV – Everyman Challenge (Electric)

Electric vehicles competing within the EMC field.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Monday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Thursday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • EMC Race:
    • Friday • 8:00 AM start

UTV Hammers Championship

One of the biggest race days of the week with massive participation.

Key events & times

  • Qualifying:
    • Monday • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • UTV Power Hour:
    • Monday • 3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  • Tech & Contingency:
    • Wednesday • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • UTV Hammers Championship Race:
    • Thursday • 8:00 AM start
  • Awards:
    • Thursday • Approx. 4:00 PM
  • Optional Lap 3 Experience:
    • Saturday • Approx. 6:00 PM

King of the Motos

Extreme endurance motorcycle racing.

Key events & times

  • Races:
    • Early week (Monday–Tuesday)
    • Typically morning starts around 8:00 AM
  • Formats:
    • GPS navigation, endurance loops, multiple classes

Desert Challenge (Unlimited, Limited & Class 11)

Traditional desert racing that kicks off race week.

Key events & times

  • Desert Challenge Main Race:
    • Sunday (Feb 1) • Approx. 8:00 AM start

Additional Attractions & Side Events


Amped Electric Games – One-Wheel Challenge

Electric single-wheel (EUC) racing, often at Chocolate Thunder.

Times

  • Multiple days during race week
  • Typically around 10:00 AM

Short heats, big crowds, and something totally different.


Power Hour Events

Short, high-energy showcase runs.

Power Hour Times

  • UTV Power Hour: Monday • 3:00 – 4:40 PM
  • EMC Power Hour: Tuesday • 3:00 – 4:40 PM
  • Race of Kings Power Hour: Wednesday • 3:00 – 4:40 PM

HooptieX at Hammers

Nighttime short-course chaos.

Times

  • Thursday • 7:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Friday • 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Hammertown Experience (All Week)

Open daily:

  • Approx. 8:00 AM – evening

Vendors, media, drivers, product launches, and nonstop activity.


Community & Sponsor Events

Times vary, usually:

  • Late afternoon through evening
  • After race activities wrap up

Optional Lap 3 Experiences

Available for:

  • Everyman Challenge
  • UTV Hammers

Time

  • Saturday evening • Approx. 6:00 PM

Final Thoughts

King of the Hammers runs from early mornings to late nights. Whether you’re chasing sunrise starts at the start line, afternoon Power Hours, or nighttime HooptieX, there’s always something happening.

This guide gives you the what, when, and why — so you don’t miss the moments that matter.

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