2026 Maxxis Area BFE Beatdown Event Recap
Kicking off the West Coast Series after a two-month break from King of the Hammers, racers were eager to get back behind the wheel and continue the 2026 season. Set in Moab during the 60th Easter Jeep Safari, the Maxxis Area BFE Beatdown delivered the perfect mix of competition and off-road culture, setting the tone for the season ahead.
The week wasn’t just about racing, it was about the full experience. Racers, teams, and families had the opportunity to hit the trails, take part in group rides, and soak in everything Moab has to offer. From scenic trail runs to evening gatherings, the event showcased not just the competition, but the community behind Ultra4 USA and what makes it unique in the off-road world.
With 101 entries, Ultra4 USA came out swinging at Area BFE, delivering a stacked field and an electric atmosphere that proved the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.
Drivers got their first look at the course during prerunning in dusty, windy conditions, but with rain in the forecast for race day, no one knew what the track would ultimately turn into. Area BFE is known for its tight, technical layout with limited passing opportunities, making qualifying position critical.
Qualifying kicked off Tuesday morning, and racers came ready to throw down for the top spot. In the 4900 Pro Mod class, Cole Clark and Paul Wolff both pushed hard and ended up rolling while trying to secure front-row positions. Even in the youth ranks, drivers were laying it all on the line, Kayden Gamble pushed a little too hard off the rock ledges and was unfortunately unable to complete his qualifying run.
At the end of the session, Paul Horschel set the fastest overall time of the day across all classes, earning clean air and the lead position for a stacked 4400 field heading into race day.
Immediately following qualifying, the next generation of racers took to the course for the 170 classes. Kyson Christensen claimed the win in 170 Modified, Matthew Horschel took the top spot in 170 Limited, and Jaxon Fernandes secured the win in 170 Stock.
The Youth 1000 class was up next, taking on the same full course as the big cars. After qualifying second, Tyce Healy, alongside co-driver Loren Healy, battled through two grueling laps to take the win. Mason Dowker finished second, with Cash Barritt rounding out the podium in third.
To close out Day 1, the 4900 Stock and Open classes hit the course for four laps of intense racing. In the Open class, Josh Smith crossed the line first, followed by Travis Zollinger and Cody Willenborg. In the Stock class, Eric Gilbert took the win, with Jacob Smith in second and Kurt Mackie in third.
Race day morning brought a completely different challenge, as rain rolled in overnight and transformed the course. The 4900 Pro Mod class lined up in the early morning darkness unsure of what conditions awaited. Keith Beam led the field into the wet and technical course as the sun began to rise.
With rain continuing to fall, Paul Wolff, no stranger to mud and water, put on an incredible charge. Starting from the back after his qualifying rollover, he worked his way through the entire field over four laps on the tight course to take the win. Tyler Remmereid finished second, followed by Tommy Thompson in third.
Next up was the stacked 4600 Stock class. Loren Healy led early in the rain, holding the top spot for the first two laps before losing brakes and being forced to retire. Bailey Campbell took over the lead on course and crossed the line first, but on corrected time it was Jesse Bennett who secured the win by just six seconds. Campbell finished second, with Maxxis Tire driver Brexton Glines rounding out the podium.
The 4500 and 4800 classes followed, with 22 cars battling for position. Filling in for an injured Woody Rose, Bailey Cole stepped into the driver’s seat and delivered a standout performance, taking the win in the 4800 class after five grueling laps. Adam Lovell finished second, with Dylan Summers in third. In the 4500 class, Todd Miller claimed victory, followed by Taran Halarewich and Dan Wyrick.
As the rain briefly let up, it looked like the 4400 class might see ideal conditions. With Paul Horschel leading the field to green for an eight-lap main event, expectations were high. However, Horschel would battle mechanical issues and fail to complete the opening lap.
Then the weather struck again.
A second wave of rain and hail hammered the course, turning sections that had been dry silt the day before into deep water crossings over a foot deep. Every car that crossed the line was covered in mud, and the brutal eight-lap race took its toll, with broken cars scattered across the course.
In the end, it was once again Paul Wolff who thrived in the chaos, taking his second win of the weekend in dominant fashion. Eric Wicks finished second, with Levi Shirley completing the podium in third.
The 2026 Maxxis Area BFE Beatdown proved once again why racing at Area BFE is one of the toughest and most respected challenges in off-road. From dust to mud, sunshine to hail, drivers were pushed to their limits in every class, with survival becoming just as important as speed.
Between massive car counts, unpredictable conditions, and nonstop action across two days of racing, this event set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an incredibly competitive 2026 season. It also showcased exactly what Ultra4 USA is all about, hard racing, resilient drivers, and a community that lives for the off-road lifestyle.
A huge thank you goes out to all of the racers, teams, fans, and partners who made the trip to Moab and helped make this event a success. From the trail rides during Easter Jeep Safari to the final checkered flag, the energy all week long showed just how strong this sport continues to grow.
The momentum doesn’t stop here.
Next up, Ultra4 USA heads to Badlands Off Road Park for the Branik Motorsports Badlands Brawl, kicking off the Central Series. With points on the line and drivers already building momentum, expect another stacked field and intense racing as the 2026 season rolls on.
Full results and updated championship standings are available now at Ultra4USA.com.
