Kyle Chaney Makes History with Can-Am at 2025 King of the Hammers Race
Historic Victory at the King of the Hammers
In an unprecedented achievement in off-road racing, Kyle Chaney, driving for Can-Am, secured a landmark win at the 2025 King of the Hammers held in Johnson Valley, California. This monumental event marked Chaney as the first racer to clinch the coveted 4400 Unlimited class using a modified Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), specifically the Can-Am Maverick R. His remarkable performance saw him finish over 30 minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, solidifying Can-Am's reputation in the high-stakes world of competitive off-roading.
The 4400 Unlimited race is considered the highlight of the King of the Hammers week, renowned for its blend of high-speed desert trails and challenging rocky canyons. Chaney, paired with co-driver Terry Madden, demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy throughout the event. After starting in a promising fourth place during qualifying, Chaney maneuvered through the early laps while maintaining a strong presence in the top six. By the second lap, he had advanced into the lead position, demonstrating not only speed but also intelligent racecraft.
The third lap proved to be a true test of Chaney's navigational prowess, as the course details had only been released the day prior to the race. Navigating this uncharted territory required acute attention to detail and adept decision-making. It was here that Madden's role was pivotal; his expertise in navigation ensured they stayed on course even when the environment became increasingly unpredictable.
In an emotional moment, Chaney crossed the finish line with an impressive total race time of 7 hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds.