When most people think of King of the Hammers (KOH), they picture the 4400 Class, the monstrous, high-horsepower rock buggies that tear through the desert. But for those who want a more relatable, attainable entry into the world of Ultra4 racing, the Everyman Challenge is where the action is.
The Everyman Challenge, also known as the ‘man challenge,’ is a significant racing event within the Ultra4 Racing series, specifically created for non-professional drivers who wish to compete in the King of the Hammers.
This year, the 4628 team returned to KOH with their Toyota 4Runner, competing in the 4600 Stock Class. Unlike the high-budget builds of the top-tier race cars, this class is built on real-world rigs—vehicles that off-road enthusiasts could build in their own garages.
With R1 Concepts performance brakes on board, the team was prepared to tackle the toughest terrain in Johnson Valley. From desert sprints to punishing rock sections, their journey through King of the Hammers 2025 was nothing short of legendary.
What is Ultra4 Racing?
Ultra4 Racing is a thrilling series of off-road racing events that push both drivers and vehicles to their absolute limits. Founded in 2007 with the inaugural “King of the Hammers” event, Ultra4 Racing has quickly become synonymous with extreme off-road challenges. The series allows for a high degree of customization and modification of four-wheel-drive vehicles, making each race a unique spectacle of engineering and driving prowess. Combining high-speed desert racing with technical rock-crawling sections, Ultra4 Racing is a true test of skill, strategy, and vehicle durability. Each event in the series demands not just speed but also the ability to navigate some of the toughest terrains imaginable, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
The King of the Hammers
The King of the Hammers is the crown jewel of Ultra4 Racing, held annually in the rugged landscape of Johnson Valley, California. This flagship event draws competitors from around the world, all eager to tackle its notoriously challenging course. The event features a variety of classes, from the top-tier 4400 class with its unlimited cars to side-by-sides (UTVs) and dirtbikes, each competing in their own grueling races. The King of the Hammers course is a brutal mix of long desert stretches and treacherous rocky climbs and descents, demanding the utmost from both drivers and their vehicles. It’s a race that tests every aspect of off-road racing, from speed and endurance to technical skill and vehicle reliability.
Built for Battle: A 4Runner Ready for War
The Everyman Challenge requires vehicles to run stock-style components, meaning they must have a stock OEM frame to comply with the 4600 Stock Class regulations. This means no crazy suspension lifts, massive tires, or exotic drivetrain swaps. The 4628 Toyota 4Runner may look familiar to weekend warriors, but it was built with endurance in mind.
Key Features of the 4628 Race Build:
✅ Off-the-shelf suspension components – just like you’d find on a well-equipped trail rig. ✅ R1 Concepts performance brake kit – delivering the stopping power needed for steep descents and high-speed desert sections. ✅ 35-inch DOT tires – the maximum allowed for the 4600 class. ✅ Full roll cage and safety reinforcements – because KOH is as dangerous as it is thrilling. ✅ Rear of the engine block positioned in front of the driver’s seat – to comply with competition regulations.
The brakes were a key upgrade for this build. Off-road racing demands a braking system that can handle repeated high-speed braking without overheating. The team relied on R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors and R1 PERFORMANCE Off-Road/Tow Series Brake Pads, ensuring that the 4Runner could navigate sharp descents and sudden obstacles without fade. “Our brake kit is something you could buy and put on your 4Runner at home.” – Alex Fleming, Driver
Race Day: From Desert Sprints to Brutal Rock Crawling
The Everyman Challenge is a true test of endurance, combining high-speed desert sections with rock crawling that can break even the toughest rigs.
After a smooth start, the 4628 team faced their first major obstacle—an uphill rock section that proved trickier than expected. While pre-running the course, the 4Runner had enough power to clear it in high gear, but on race day, the team decided it needed low-range 4WD to crawl through. “We just stayed in low and did what we could.” Midway through the race, a front-left tire blowout forced the team to pit. What seemed like a simple fix turned into a bigger challenge when they discovered a cracked differential case and a damaged spindle. Quick thinking and solid preparation allowed them to weld the spindle and get back on course.
The Course
The King of the Hammers course is a condensed yet intense version of the Ultra4 Racing experience, designed to push drivers and vehicles to their breaking points. Spanning approximately 165 miles, the course is a relentless mix of high-speed desert racing and technical rock-crawling sections. Drivers must navigate over 100 obstacles, including rocks, sand, and mud, each presenting its own unique challenge. The course is a true test of endurance and skill, requiring drivers to maintain high speeds while expertly maneuvering through some of the most demanding terrain in off-road racing. It’s a race that leaves no room for error, where every corner and every obstacle can make or break a team’s chances of finishing.
The Driver’s Perspective
From the driver’s seat, Ultra4 Racing is an exhilarating and demanding experience. Navigating the challenging terrain of rocks, sand, and mud at high speeds requires not just skill but also a deep understanding of one’s vehicle. Drivers must finesse their trucks through technical sections, balancing speed with control to avoid costly mistakes. The physical and mental demands of the race are immense, with drivers facing fatigue, heat, and stress as they push their vehicles to the limit. It’s a race that rewards those who can stay focused and adapt to the ever-changing conditions, making it a true test of both driver and machine.
The Final Push: Fighting Against the Clock
With just a couple of hours left before the race cutoff, the team made their final push toward the finish line. The last major obstacles—Outer Limits and Spooners—are known for ending many racers’ dreams. Traffic jams, broken cars, and massive boulders stood in their way.
To date, the team had not finished the King of the Hammers, highlighting the significance of their final push.
“If they can get through that, we’ll bring home a finish.” At 5:06 PM, with the 6:30 PM cutoff looming, the 4628 team made their final push. It was a race against time, with only one goal in mind: cross the finish line.
A Five-Year Dream Realized
After five years of battling the King of the Hammers, the team finally got their finish. It didn’t matter if they made the official cutoff—what mattered was the journey, the perseverance, and the team’s ability to push through adversity.
“We’ve been working five years to get this thing across the finish line. I don’t know if it’s in time or not, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad to be here.”
The importance of the driver’s seat in vehicle modifications cannot be overstated, as adhering to regulations while optimizing performance is crucial.
For off-road enthusiasts, King of the Hammers isn’t just a race—it’s a proving ground. And for the 4628 team, this year’s Everyman Challenge proved that with the right preparation, the right equipment, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
The Global Off-Road Movement
Ultra4 Racing is more than just a series of races; it’s a global off-road movement that celebrates the thrill and adventure of pushing limits. With events held across the United States and Europe, Ultra4 Racing has garnered a dedicated following of off-road enthusiasts. The series is considered a premier off-road racing platform, attracting both seasoned drivers and newcomers eager to test their skills. The spirit of Ultra4 Racing is all about pushing trucks and drivers to their limits, making it a true test of endurance and skill. Whether you’re a veteran racer or just starting out, Ultra4 Racing offers a fun and exciting way to experience the ultimate in off-road racing.
Ready to Build Your Own Off-Road Rig?
Want to get race-ready braking performance for your Toyota 4Runner, Jeep, or off-road truck? Check out R1 Concepts’ top-tier brake products:
- R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors – Maximum cooling and durability for off-road abuse.
- R1 PERFORMANCE Off-Road/Tow Series Brake Pads – Designed for extreme conditions, from towing to desert racing.
- R1 eLINE Black Series Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors – Stylish and performance-driven for daily drivers and weekend warriors.
The importance of wheels in vehicle mechanics cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of steering systems and braking performance. Direct driver control over the wheels is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality, especially when considering the brakes seen behind the wheels.
No matter where your adventures take you, R1 Concepts delivers the braking power you need to conquer any terrain.
