KOH 2025 Yokohama Every Man Challenge Recap: Lovell’s Redemption Run

As one of the premier races for limited-class vehicles, the EMC pits talented drivers against some of the toughest obstacles in Johnson Valley while keeping costs in check with DOT-approved tires and strict vehicle regulations.

This year’s race saw 127 competitors take the green flag, battling across a grueling two-lap, 150-mile course through some of the most punishing rock trails and high-speed desert sections KOH has to offer.

Lovell Clinches Overall Victory
Brad Lovell, an off-road racing legend, cemented his name in EMC history once again, taking first place overall and securing the 4600 Stock Class win alongside his son and co-driver, Adam Lovell. The race was a true test of skill, endurance, and strategy, with multiple lead changes before Lovell finally pulled ahead for good in the treacherous Chocolate Thunder section.

“I feel absolutely thrilled. That was such an intense race. I don’t know if you saw all the passing going on, but we took off with Bailey Cole and he got in front of us and then we got in front of him. Vaughn got us and then we got him back and then Bailey got us. Finally, we got past Bailey with a little bit of drama at the bottom of Chocolate Thunder. We didn’t look back from there.” – Brad Lovell

The victory was particularly special for Lovell and his son, as it marked their redemption from a tough run in 2024. The father-son duo conquered the relentless course and crossed the finish line victorious, proving once again that experience and resilience are key to surviving KOH.

Class Standings and Notable Performances

4600 Stock Class

1. Brad Lovell

2. Bailey Cole

3. John Williams

4500 Modified Class

1. Dan Wyrick

2. Les Figueroa

3. Steve Crawford

4800 Legends Class

1. Cody Young

2. Amber Slawson

3. Cameron Steele

Military Class Winner

Brandon Johnson

4800 Legends Class: A Fight to the Finish
Cody Young took first place in the 4800 Legends Class, putting on an impressive performance through some of the race’s toughest rock trails. His battle with fellow competitors was intense, with Young stating:

 “They put together a good course this year. It was brutal, and we beat the heck out of this car. It feels good to be here at the end. We were bumping and running with everyone. It was fun. Jack Hammer was brutal this year.”

Amber Slawson, finishing just behind Young, made waves with a stellar drive that nearly ended in disaster multiple times. Her aggressive pace saw her overcome multiple rollovers, a winch rescue, and some wild near-crashes, but her car kept going strong.

 “I am over the moon. I am extra over the moon. I can’t believe we just did that!… We almost crashed three times on Lap One! We went end over end at one point, and we thought we were going to land on our side, and it went back onto its wheels, and it kept driving.”

With the support of her pit crew, Bomber Fab, King Shocks, and BFG tires, Slawson fought through the chaos to secure a second-place finish in the 4800 Legends Class.

A Brutal Course Tests Every Competitor
This year’s EMC course delivered some of the roughest terrain in recent memory. The first lap stretched 65 miles, favoring high-speed desert sections, while the 85-mile second lap forced competitors into KOH’s notorious rock trails, including Jack Hammer, Spooners, and Chocolate Thunder. The course claimed dozens of vehicles, leaving only a fraction of the field to cross the finish line.

Final Thoughts
With three classes (Stock, Modified, and Legends) and a special Military Class, the 2025 Yokohama Every Man Challenge stayed true to its roots—providing a stage for ultra-capable machines piloted by highly skilled drivers who may not have the budgets of the Unlimited 4400 Class, but still possess the heart and grit to conquer the King of the Hammers course.

Brad Lovell’s overall win, Cody Young’s Legends victory, and Amber Slawson’s dramatic finish defined another unforgettable EMC. This year’s race proved once again why King of the Hammers is the toughest one-day off-road race in the world—and why the Every Man Challenge remains a proving ground for some of the most tenacious racers on the planet.

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