The 2026 Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship proved once again why it is considered one of the most punishing off-road races on the planet. Held in the rugged terrain of Johnson Valley, the event pushed drivers and their machines to their absolute limits, resulting in a race of attrition where only 25 of the 122 teams managed to cross the finish line.
According to reports from UTV Action Magazine, privateer racer Jeff Martin delivered a masterclass in endurance and strategy. Piloting a Can-Am Maverick X3 equipped with Maxxis tires, Martin navigated the treacherous rock trails and desert sections with a focus on machine preservation. His tactical patience paid off; after scaling back his pace following the second pit stop to avoid damage, Martin capitalized on the mechanical misfortune of race leader Cole Clark to secure the top spot.
Martin completed the grueling course in 4 hours, 54 minutes, and 30 seconds, finishing more than seven minutes ahead of his closest competitor. Reflecting on the race, Martin credited his success to a disciplined approach and the support of his team, noting, "We started driving smart and driving our race... when Cole had a problem and pulled over, it was just home free."
The event was a banner day for Can-Am, which saw multiple class victories across the board. Hubert Rowland, a brand ambassador, took home the win in the Sportsman class behind the wheel of a Maverick R. In the Pro Stock Turbo class, Kurt Mackie claimed the top position, followed by the high-profile duo of freestyle motocross icon Brian Deegan and co-driver Terry Madden.
With this victory, Can-Am carries significant momentum into the upcoming Mint 400, scheduled for March 7th. As teams look toward the next major challenge, the results at Johnson Valley serve as a reminder that in the world of extreme off-road racing, reliability and tactical decision-making are just as critical as raw speed.
