King of the Hammers 2026 – Johnson Valley, California

The Griffin King of the Hammers 2026 is the premier off-road racing event held from January 22 to February 7 in Hammertown (Johnson Valley, CA). Widely regarded as one of the toughest desert and rock-racing challenges in the world, it brings together Ultra4 racing, desert challenges, UTV races, and multiple other classes of competition.

Most of us have watched King of the Hammers over the years — and most of us have wished we could attend in some way, shape, or form.

Some of us have been lucky enough to experience it over the past 10 years — as spectators, racers, pit crew… and then there’s the volunteer side of life.

For the past three years, I’ve been fortunate enough to lead a team of around 20 Ultra4 volunteers alongside Mosko Offroad and a small crew of five, taking over from Ben English, who led smaller teams in the earlier years.

We’ve carved our way into key positions, proving that smaller countries and squads like Australia, New Zealand, and Europe can punch above our weight and lead from the front. Ben Napier — KOH Race Director and former Ultra4 Australia racer — has been front and centre in that charge.

And don’t mistake the word “volunteer” for all work and no play. Yes, there’s plenty of work — but it’s also one of the greatest gatherings of like-minded off-road enthusiasts on the planet. Campfires burn every night. There’s always something happening — including the infamous Ultra3. If you haven’t heard of Ultra3… we’ll give you a minute to Google it.

Ready for that party? It’s one night you don’t want to miss. Blake Wilkey has put on a show the last couple of years, and let’s not forget Big Willy — the oversized Willys Jeep that came to party.

Sublime always puts on a killer show later in the event, and with plenty of other entertainment options — like night runs out to Chocolate Thunder — it’s no surprise the eyelids get heavy during those two to three weeks in Johnson Valley.

Australian Presence on the Ground

In 2026, more than 25 Aussies from Ultra4 Australia, Mosko Offroad, and Carnage Offroad travelled to the U.S. — not just as spectators, but as part of a volunteer crew helping with day-to-day operations. They supported tasks such as course marshalling, logistics, recovery efforts, and general event setup and coordination.

Responsibilities included:

• Coordinating RV movements

• Building Hammertown

• Course marking

• Assisting with vehicle recovery operations

• Manning and marshalling remote checkpoints

• Supporting day-to-day logistics across Hammertown

They also worked alongside more than 10 Ultra4 NZ volunteers, helping stage all racing rigs prior to competition — ensuring vehicles were lined up, checked, and ready to tackle one of the toughest off-road courses in the world.

Back in the infield, eight Aussies were tasked with dispatching and receiving all race rigs — managing competitors as they headed out onto the gruelling course and checking them safely back in… if they made it.

While the spotlight shines on the drivers, it’s efforts like these — from the Aussies, the Kiwis, the Euro squad, and the local American contingent — that keep King of the Hammers operating safely and efficiently.

Like many major events, King of the Hammers relies heavily on a large volunteer workforce (100+ volunteers) for safety, course monitoring, and support roles each year.

The Aussie contribution continues a long tradition of international visitors not only racing but also pitching in behind the scenes — a spirit that’s been part of King of the Hammers culture for years. Australians haven’t just been visible on course, but in remote pits, team support roles, and critical operational positions.

And we’ll do it again.

You can be damn sure that if King of the Hammers is running, there’ll be an Australian crew somewhere in the dust, helping make it happen.

Bring on the 21st birthday.

And maybe — just maybe — an Aussie car or three shipped over from Australia.