KING OF THE HAMMERS 2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM - 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
OVERVIEW
The KOH Rookie Program is the official onboarding program for first-time competitors preparing to take on the 20th Anniversary of King of the Hammers. Designed to make sure new racers are confident, capable, and connected, this program blends hands-on training, virtual coaching, and direct mentorship to ensure you are race-ready before you even hit the lakebed.
The program is built to not just prepare you for your first race but to help you establish long-term success in off-road racing through education, community-building, and access to industry resources.
WHAT IS A ROOKIE?
If you are a first-time driver of record at King of the Hammers, you are eligible for the Rookie Program — regardless of your experience at other off-road events.
Eligible: Drivers with no prior KOH race as Driver of Record, including those with Ultra4 USA or Ultra4 Europe experience.
Not Eligible: If you have been the Driver of Record at any prior King of the Hammers competition, you are not considered a rookie.
WHY JOIN THE KOH ROOKIE PROGRAM?
Prepare Like a Veteran
Learn directly from Bailey Cole, Ultra4 racer and King of the Hammers 4600 Class Champion, alongside top KOH officials and seasoned veterans.
Get real-world advice from those who have conquered the race — from pre-race preparation to finishing strategy.
Get Hands-On Experience
Participate in a dedicated Rookie Training Week onsite in Johnson Valley (September 29–October 3), giving you time on the course with experienced guidance before race week.
Attend a full-day in-person Rookie Bootcamp at the PRI Show (December 12) in Indianapolis, condensing months of knowledge into a focused training session.
Build Your Network and Community
Connect with fellow rookies, veteran racers, industry experts, and key event personnel before you arrive on the lakebed.
Attend Off-Road Expo (October 4–5) and PRI (December 12) to build sponsor relationships and gain insights into off-road industry culture.
Get access to private virtual coaching calls, direct email support, and downloadable resources to guide you every step of the way.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How to prepare your car for tech and safety inspections
Navigation and GPS setup, including LeadNav basics
Chase crew and pit operations strategy
Event logistics including Hammertown setup and daily schedules
How to sell yourself to potential sponsors and industry partners
How to survive and succeed at the toughest one-day off-road race in the world.
2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
August 1nd – Program Launch: Welcome email and resource packet delivered
August 22nd – Virtual Rookie Kickoff Day (comprehensive online orientation session)
September 29th – October 3rd – Onsite Rookie Training Week, Johnson Valley, CA
October 4th–5th – Rookie Meet-Up at Off-Road Expo, Pomona, CA
December 12th – Full-Day Rookie Bootcamp at PRI Show, Indianapolis, IN
January 8th – Final Virtual Prep Call before race month
January 15th – Race Map Breakdown Call after official course release
January 27th – Mandatory Rookie Meeting onsite at Hammertown
January 28th–30th – Optional Hammertown orientation tours and group photo
February 15th – Post-Race Virtual Debrief and Wrap-Up Call
COST TO JOIN THE 2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM
Program tuition is $2,500 per competitor and includes access to:
All virtual training sessions
Onsite Rookie Week in Johnson Valley
PRI Rookie Bootcamp full-day classroom experience
Hammertown rookie sessions during race week
Exclusive resource materials, guides, and direct access to KOH officials
Travel and accommodations are not included. Meals will be provided during Johnson Valley Rookie Week.
All registrations will be handled through USAC Racing.
Sign up Today!