Can-Am is doubling down on its support of King of the Hammers in 2026, announcing a new purse and contingency program that expands payouts across multiple headline races during the toughest off-road event in the world. The new program reinforces Can-Am’s role as the official UTV sponsor of King of the Hammers and highlights the brand’s continued investment in racers across several classes and disciplines in Johnson Valley.
As part of the 2026 King of the Hammers program, Can-Am will award purse and contingency payouts across three marquee events during race week, extending support beyond the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship and into both UTV and premier unlimited competition.
During the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship on February 5th, Can-Am will offer a $30,000 purse to the top three overall finishers, regardless of manufacturer. The winner will take home $18,000, with $8,000 awarded to second place and $4,000 to third. The open-manufacturer payout structure underscores Can-Am’s commitment to 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.”
Can-Am’s expanded support also includes contingency programs for two additional races during the event. In the Desert Limited race on Jan. 31, Can-Am will offer a $20,000 contingency payout to eligible Can-Am drivers who finish in the top three overall. First place will earn $12,000, second place $6,000 and third place $2,000.
The same $20,000 contingency structure will apply to the Race of the Kings in the premier 4400 class on Feb. 7. Eligible Can-Am drivers finishing in the top three overall will receive $12,000 for first, $6,000 for second and $2,000 for third.
“Our partnership with KOH has always been about more than one race or one class,” Windsor said. “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.”
King of the Hammers leadership welcomed the continued commitment from the manufacturer, emphasizing the strength of the long-standing relationship.
“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.”
Widely regarded as the ultimate proving ground for drivers, vehicles and manufacturers, King of the Hammers continues to push the limits of off-road racing. Can-Am’s expanded 2026 purse and contingency program is set to further elevate competition while providing meaningful support to racers across several of the week’s most demanding events.
More information on King of the Hammers and Ultra4 Racing is available at kingofthehammers.com.
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