Brendon Thompson in his MAXXIS orange 4400 car blasting off of a popular rock feature called back door. black and yellow Can Am SxS on it's back two wheels as it boosts over a rock lip.

Maxxis Athletes Strong in Qualifiers as King of the Hammers Championship Battle Begins

Hammers Championship Battles Begin!

Maxxis athletes charge toward championship races

King of the Hammers 2026 qualifying saw Maxxis athletes deliver strong results in the pivotal 4900 class, with Kyle Chaney, Hunter Miller, and Cody Miller locking in solid starting positions as the UTV Hammers Championship heats up. With the championship on the line and three days of heart-pounding action ahead – including today’s UTV Hammers race, Friday’s Every Man Challenge, and Saturday’s 4400 Race of Kings – Maxxis’ contenders are positioned for a big week in Johnson Valley.

yellow and black SxS about to take flight on a set of 37" Roxxzillas.
Kyle Chaney showing off his new shoes.

Momentum has been building all week, led by defending champion Kyle Chaney as he continues his push to defend his history-making 2025 crown. Chaney and fellow Maxxis drivers Brendon Thompson, Hunter Miller, and Cody Miller all delivered strong qualifying efforts across the UTV and 4400 divisions. Today’s focus turns squarely to the 4900 UTV Hammers Championship, one of the most demanding events of the week, where precision, durability, and strategy will determine who leaves Johnson Valley with a title.

 

yellow and black CanAm boosting at full speed in the desert.
Cody Miller at full boost.

Piloting what many consider the best car UFO Motorsports has ever built, Austin Thompson is shaping up as a legitimate overall contender in Friday’s Every Man Challenge, with the equipment, pace, and experience to challenge for the EMC Overall victory when the green flag drops.

The week builds through Friday’s EMC and reaches its peak Saturday with the legendary 4400 Race of Kings.

Brendon Thompson in his MAXXIS orange 4400 car blasting off of a popular rock feature called back door.
Brendon Thompson bombing down a giant rock filled trail.

Fans can catch today’s UTV Hammers Championship and all remaining King of the Hammers action live on YouTube. For an inside look at the action, fans can also follow along with in-car views on Maxxis’ KOH-LIVE powered by Star Stream.

Be sure to follow Maxxis on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for live updates, race coverage, and podium results throughout the week.

nacho 4x4 ripping off a big rock.
Nacho 4×4 not scared to send it.

 

 

About Maxxis International
For over 50 years, Maxxis International has delivered high-quality tires to both original equipment and aftermarket customers. Maxxis offers products for automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden, and industrial use. The company has operations in Asia, Europe, and North America, and its products are distributed in approximately 180 countries. Maxxis International employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit maxxis.com.

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