King of the Hammers Announces New Purse & Contingency

Can-Am wants to get you paid at Hammers this year.

King of the Hammers, known as the toughest off-road racing event in the world, has announced a new purse and contingency program in partnership with Can-Am for the 2026 King of the Hammers, the official UTV Sponsor of the event. This new investment reinforces Can-Am’s support of King of the Hammers and the competitors who take on the challenge each year. The expanded program supports multiple races throughout the event week and reflects Can-Am’s commitment to the broader King of the Hammers community, extending beyond the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship.

As part of the 2026 program, Can-Am will award contingency and purse payouts across three marquee events during King of the Hammers, recognizing top performances in both manufacturer-specific and open competition.

During the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship on Feb. 5, Can-Am will award a $30,000 purse to the top three overall finishers, regardless of manufacturer. First place will receive $18,000, second place $8,000 and third place $4,000, underscoring Can-Am’s support of competition across the entire UTV field.

“The Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship brings the best drivers across all UTV manufacturers to the toughest race in the USA,” said Valerie Windsor, BRP’s Manager of Global Sponsorships, Corporate Sponsorships and Racing Marketing. “As Can-Am is the title sponsor of the UTV race, it’s important that we recognize racers’ accomplishments and that they are rewarded for the effort they put into the race, regardless of which UTV they drive.”

In addition to purse payout on the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Race, Can-Am will also offer contingencies in the Desert Limited race and the 4400-class race.

For the Desert Limited Race on Jan. 31, Can-Am will offer a $20,000 contingency paid to eligible Can-Am drivers who finish in the top three overall. First-place Can-Am drivers will receive $12,000, second-place drivers will receive $6,000 and third-place drivers will receive $2,000.

For the Race of the Kings on Feb. 7 in the premier 4400 class, Can-Am will provide a $20,000 contingency paid to eligible Can-Am drivers who finish in the top three overall. First-place Can-Am drivers will receive $12,000, second-place drivers $6,000 and third-place drivers $2,000.

“Our partnership with KOH has always been about more than one race or one class. By extending support across multiple events, we’re continuing to invest in the racers, the competition, and the off-road community that defines our time in Johnson Valley,” says Valerie Windsor

“We are thankful for Can-Am’s commitment to KOH and its support of our racers,” said King of the Hammers Chief Executive Officer Mike Jams. “Can-Am has become synonymous with Hammers, and we are proud of the enduring partnership we’ve built together.”

King of the Hammers continues to serve as the ultimate proving ground for drivers, vehicles, and manufacturers. Can-Am’s 2026 purse and contingency program further elevates the level of competition while supporting racers across several races throughout the week.

For more information on King of the Hammers and Ultra4 Racing, visit kingofthehammers.com.