The 2025 Optima King of the Hammers (KOH) Race of Kings, presented by Ford Performance, proved once again why it’s considered the toughest one-day off-road race in the world. 

This year’s race introduced a brand-new format, with a mystery third lap revealed just a day before the green flag dropped, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to an already brutal competition.

Over 100 of the world’s best off-road racers lined up in the 4400 Unlimited Class, but at the end of a grueling 225-mile course, only one vehicle had crossed the finish line.

 

Kyle Chaney Secures Historic Victory
Kyle Chaney stunned the off-road racing world, piloting his Can-Am UTV to victory in the Race of Kings, marking the first time a UTV has won the prestigious event. Starting from the second row, Chaney steadily climbed the leaderboard, navigating the punishing course with calculated precision and resilience.

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With a mix of high-speed desert running and brutal rock-crawling sections, this year’s course was unforgiving, claiming numerous high-profile competitors. 

“Man, it is awesome. Really, I have to give it up to my crew, they worked their asses off on this thing. The course was crazy, we didn’t even know where we were going as there was just nothing there. We had to pick where we were going. I don’t know, there is a lot of luck involved in this, but we picked some good lines. Terry was an awesome navigator, and the car stayed together. We just took care of the car all day.” – Kyle Chaney

 Even after receiving a 15-minute penalty for a missed RCP, Chaney’s lead was insurmountable, cementing his place in KOH history.

 

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Race of Kings Final Results

1. Kyle Chaney

2. JP Gomez

3. Brian Caprara

 

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A Battle of Attrition: Key Moments

  • Lap 1 (65 miles): Loren Healy led early, followed by Paul Wolff, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Kyle Chaney, and JP Gomez.
  • Lap 2 (85 miles): Healy winched on Jack Hammer, allowing Wolff to take over. Healy later suffered fuel pump and front-drive issues, forcing him out of the race. JP Gomez took the lead heading into Lap 3.
  • Lap 3 (75 miles – The Mystery Lap): With no prior prerunning, drivers entered completely uncharted terrain. Gomez led early, exchanging positions with Josh Blyler multiple times. Scherer, who started 88th, impressively worked his way into fourth before radiator issues forced him out.
  • Final Stages: Gomez battled hard but suffered a tire change, allowing Chaney to move ahead. With Blyler breaking down late in the race, Chaney found himself alone at the front, securing the win after eight brutal hours of racing.
 

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The Carnage of KOH: Full of Hate Claims Victims
The notorious Full of Hate trail lived up to its name, becoming a graveyard for competitors. Jason Scherer was among at least seven racers stranded in the section, forced to retire after an incredible charge from the back of the pack.

“I now know why they call it Full of Hate. I hate that damn trail. I made it up three waterfalls but had to winch. It was super fun out there. This was great.” – JP Gomez

 

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An Unforgettable Finish
After three punishing laps and countless mechanical failures, Chaney stood atop the podium, his Can-Am proving its mettle against traditional Ultra4 cars. JP Gomez secured second place, marking back-to-back podium finishes for the Gomez brothers, and Brian Caprara rounded out the top three.

With only one finisher crossing the line within the initial eight-hour timeframe, the 2025 Race of Kings will be remembered as one of the most grueling in KOH history, testing the limits of machines, drivers, and the very concept of endurance racing itself.

 

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