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.

JOIN THE 2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM

• 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.