Grit, Gears, and Glory: King of the Hammers 2025 Delivers
The team at OPTIMA Batteries by Clarios recently spent two unforgettable weeks at the legendary King of the Hammers off-roading event, in Johnson Valley, Calif. The iconic event, held in the harsh terrain of the Mojave Desert, is the ultimate proving ground for performance and possibility.
Not just a race, King of the Hammers is the birthplace of the global Ultra4 Racing series. Since its humble 2007 beginnings with a dozen teams competing for bragging rights and a case of beer, it has grown into a world-class event, featuring hundreds of teams for a coveted title.
Proving Ground
Each year, over 80,000 spectators pack into Hammertown, and millions more tune in online to witness hundreds of racers battle for glory in a series of races culminating in the ultra-extreme Race of Kings. Drivers face everything from high-speed desert runs and extreme rock crawling to emerging UTV, stock-modified, and even electric vehicle categories.
"You can’t find tougher conditions than at King of the Hammers,” said Cam Douglass, Director of Marketing at OPTIMA Batteries. “It’s the perfect testing ground for our products. What we do here directly affects the technology we provide for daily drivers.”
Powering Performance and Possibility
OPTIMA Batteries, the title sponsor of King of the Hammers, staked its claim in the desert with the expansive OPTIMA Oasis—a 10-acre facility powered by clean energy. The Oasis featured full amenities, including high-end restroom trailers, showers—a true luxury in the desert—and Wi-Fi. Guests also enjoyed unlimited EV fast-charging.
"The electric vehicle market has grown tremendously. We have a huge community out here with so many different EVs,” said Douglass. “The OPTIMA Oasis is the perfect place for us all to convene."
One of the highlights was the third annual OPTIMA Unplugged, which drew more EV and hybrid fans than ever. From Tesla’s Cybertrucks to Rivians R1Ts, more than 50 vehicles converged for a two-day trail ride in the Mojave, proving that performance and sustainability can coexist—even in the desert.
Meanwhile, traditional off-roaders weren’t left behind. OPTIMA and Clarios also sponsored events for gas-powered enthusiasts, including the Jeep Jamboree Off-Road Rally which gave 30 lucky vehicles behind-the-scenes access and guided trail rides. Ford devotees turned out for Sparky’s Raptor Rally, a two-day, 100-plus-mile ride exclusive to Ford Raptor and Bronco vehicles. Fans also saw some of the best in off-road action with the Toyo Tires Desert Challenge, where Christopher Polvoorde captured a thrilling win.
Driving Community
King of the Hammers has grown since its humble beginnings and with it so has the community of racers, builders, fans and families.
“It’s inspiring to see the drivers and talk with the fans,” said Douglass. “By pushing the limits here, we ensure our batteries are ready to power any adventure—on or off-road.”
Events like the Battle of Soggy Dry Lake and the Jeep Jamboree Off-Road Rally exemplify our brand strategy and the deepening connections we’re building with OEM partners like Ford and Jeep. Every dusty lap in Johnson Valley helps us refine our technology in real-world extremes, so everyday drivers can rely on reliable performance. At Clarios, we don’t just power vehicles; we power what’s next.