{"id":4460,"date":"2025-11-11T18:46:54","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T18:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-staging-king-of-the-hammers.pantheonsite.io\/?page_id=4460"},"modified":"2025-11-20T01:46:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T01:46:22","slug":"2026-rookie-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kingofthehammers.com\/race\/2026-rookie-program\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912296120{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=&#8221;4735&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_rounded&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762904483274{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"gt-heading gt-white gt-size1 gt-align-center\"><div class=\"gt-title\">KING OF THE HAMMERS <span>2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM<\/span><\/div><div class=\"gt-separate\"><div class=\"gt-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?><svg id=\"Layer_1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 69.07 74.87\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#fff;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M67.12,34.93C63,11.58,31.35-13.3,8.24,8.24c-.06.07.92,3.95.88,3.92C4.47,17.13,0,33.51,0,33.51c0,0,4.79-.11,2.98,12.22-.18,1.22.57,2.4,1.71,2.87,5.39,2.23,35.6,18.4,43.89,24.99.84.67,1.8,1.07,2.8,1.22,1.7.25,3.47-.26,4.82-1.52,2.67-2.49,6.59-6.13,6.59-6.13l.52-.48.82-5.61c.89-.21,1.61-.94,1.75-1.9l3.17-21.64c.18-1.25-.68-2.41-1.92-2.59ZM59.5,64.68c-1.15,1.07-2.57,2.36-4.78,3.6-.91.51-2.56-.28-3.33-.74-14.34-8.64-15.22-21.79-38.79-22.01-.15-1.72-.11-3.48.15-5.26,1.93-13.17,14.76-22.2,28.65-20.16,4.58.67,8.71,2.47,12.11,5.04-3.63-6.88-10.6-12.06-19.18-13.32-11.87-1.74-22.96,4.6-27.14,14.69,10.6-36.84,50.22-15.09,55.71,7.08l-31.7-10.01c-1.24-.37-2.67.6-2.6,1.93l.88,18.62c.04,1.17.55,1.93,1.93,2.6l28.8,12.98-.73,4.96ZM37.61,31.11c-.19,1.29-1.39,2.18-2.68,1.99s-2.18-1.39-1.99-2.68,1.39-2.18,2.68-1.99,2.18,1.39,1.99,2.68Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gt-text\">20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912200100{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>OVERVIEW<\/h3>\n<p>The KOH Rookie Program\u00a0is the official onboarding program for first-time competitors preparing to take on the 20th Anniversary of King of the Hammers. Designed to make sure new racers are confident, capable, and connected, this program blends hands-on training, virtual coaching, and direct mentorship\u00a0to ensure you are race-ready before you even hit the lakebed.<\/p>\n<p>The program is built to not just prepare you for your first race but to help you establish long-term success in off-road racing through education, community-building, and access to industry resources.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>WHAT IS A ROOKIE?<\/h3>\n<p>If you are a first-time driver of record at King of the Hammers, you are eligible for the Rookie Program \u2014 regardless of your experience at other off-road events.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Eligible:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0Drivers with no prior KOH race as Driver of Record, including those with Ultra4 USA or Ultra4 Europe experience.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Not Eligible:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>If you have been the Driver of Record at any prior King of the Hammers competition, you are not considered a rookie.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912002768{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912017895{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">WHY JOIN THE KOH ROOKIE PROGRAM?<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762913836575{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prepare Like a Veteran<\/li>\n<li>Learn directly from Bailey Cole, Ultra4 racer and King of the Hammers 4600 Class Champion, alongside top KOH officials and seasoned veterans.<\/li>\n<li>Get real-world advice from those who have conquered the race \u2014 from pre-race preparation to finishing strategy.<\/li>\n<li>Get Hands-On Experience<\/li>\n<li>Participate in a dedicated Rookie Training Week onsite in Johnson Valley (September 29\u2013October 3), giving you time on the course with experienced guidance before race week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attend a full-day in-person Rookie Bootcamp at the PRI Show (December 12) in Indianapolis, condensing months of knowledge into a focused training session.<\/li>\n<li>Build Your Network and Community.<\/li>\n<li>Connect with fellow rookies, veteran racers, industry experts, and key event personnel before you arrive on the lakebed.<\/li>\n<li>Attend Off-Road Expo (October 4\u20135) and PRI (December 12) to build sponsor relationships and gain insights into off-road industry culture.<\/li>\n<li>Get access to private virtual coaching calls, direct email support, and downloadable resources to guide you every step of the way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912017895{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912037434{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"gt-heading gt-white gt-size1 gt-align-center\"><div class=\"gt-title\">2026 ROOKIE <span>PROGRAM SCHEDULE<\/span><\/div><div class=\"gt-separate\"><div class=\"gt-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?>\n<svg id=\"Layer_1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" viewBox=\"0 0 69.1 58.7\">\n  <!-- Generator: Adobe Illustrator 30.0.0, SVG Export Plug-In . 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A Rookie Call <\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>Any questions you have - open forum for clarification and next steps<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">September 28, 2026<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Veteran Pairing<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>We'll pair each rookie with a veteran to offer guidance and next steps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">October 4, 2026<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Rookie Meet-Up <\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>October 4th\u20135th \u2013 Rookie Meet-Up at Off-Road Expo, Pomona, CA<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">October 6, 2026<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Onsite Rookie Training Week<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>October 6th\u201310th - Johnson Valley, CA.<br \/>\nA full week of hands-on driving and learning in the desert.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">December 12, 2026<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Full-Day Rookie Bootcamp<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>Bootcamp at PRI Show, Indianapolis, IN.<br \/>\nWorkshops on partnerships, team building, and final race prep.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"gt-item\"><div class=\"gt-heading\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 511.634 511.634\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M482.513,83.942c-7.225-7.233-15.797-10.85-25.694-10.85h-36.541v-27.41c0-12.56-4.477-23.315-13.422-32.261 C397.906,4.475,387.157,0,374.591,0h-18.268c-12.565,0-23.318,4.475-32.264,13.422c-8.949,8.945-13.422,19.701-13.422,32.261v27.41 h-109.63v-27.41c0-12.56-4.475-23.315-13.422-32.261C178.64,4.475,167.886,0,155.321,0H137.05 c-12.562,0-23.317,4.475-32.264,13.422c-8.945,8.945-13.421,19.701-13.421,32.261v27.41H54.823c-9.9,0-18.464,3.617-25.697,10.85 c-7.233,7.232-10.85,15.8-10.85,25.697v365.453c0,9.89,3.617,18.456,10.85,25.693c7.232,7.231,15.796,10.849,25.697,10.849h401.989 c9.897,0,18.47-3.617,25.694-10.849c7.234-7.234,10.852-15.804,10.852-25.693V109.639 C493.357,99.739,489.743,91.175,482.513,83.942z M347.187,45.686c0-2.667,0.849-4.858,2.56-6.567 c1.711-1.711,3.901-2.568,6.57-2.568h18.268c2.67,0,4.853,0.854,6.57,2.568c1.712,1.712,2.567,3.903,2.567,6.567v82.224 c0,2.666-0.855,4.853-2.567,6.567c-1.718,1.709-3.9,2.568-6.57,2.568h-18.268c-2.669,0-4.859-0.855-6.57-2.568 c-1.711-1.715-2.56-3.901-2.56-6.567V45.686z M127.915,45.686c0-2.667,0.855-4.858,2.568-6.567 c1.714-1.711,3.901-2.568,6.567-2.568h18.271c2.667,0,4.858,0.854,6.567,2.568c1.711,1.712,2.57,3.903,2.57,6.567v82.224 c0,2.666-0.855,4.856-2.57,6.567c-1.713,1.709-3.9,2.568-6.567,2.568H137.05c-2.666,0-4.856-0.855-6.567-2.568 c-1.709-1.715-2.568-3.901-2.568-6.567V45.686z M456.812,475.088H54.823v-292.36h401.989V475.088z\"\/> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <g> <\/g> <\/svg><span>JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2027<\/span><\/div><ul><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">January 8, 2027<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Final Virtual Prep Call<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>Last-minute questions and readiness checks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">January 15, 2027<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Race Map Breakdown Call<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>We'll go over the released course map and discuss what to expect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">January 27, 2027<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Mandatory Rookie Meeting<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>Meeting onsite at Hammertown.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">January 28, 2027<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Hammertown Orientation<\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>January 28th\u201330th \u2013 Optional Hammertown orientation tours and group photo<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"gt-content\"><div class=\"gt-date\">February 15, 2027<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Virtual Debrief <\/div><div class=\"gt-text\"><p>Post-Race Virtual Debrief and Wrap-Up Call<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912017895{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762915049565{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">JOIN THE 2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM<\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762915472974{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div class=\"gt-heading gt-white gt-size1 gt-align-center\"><div class=\"gt-title\">WHAT YOU&#039;LL LEARN<\/div><div class=\"gt-separate\"><div class=\"gt-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?><svg id=\"Layer_1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 69.07 74.87\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#fff;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"M67.12,34.93C63,11.58,31.35-13.3,8.24,8.24c-.06.07.92,3.95.88,3.92C4.47,17.13,0,33.51,0,33.51c0,0,4.79-.11,2.98,12.22-.18,1.22.57,2.4,1.71,2.87,5.39,2.23,35.6,18.4,43.89,24.99.84.67,1.8,1.07,2.8,1.22,1.7.25,3.47-.26,4.82-1.52,2.67-2.49,6.59-6.13,6.59-6.13l.52-.48.82-5.61c.89-.21,1.61-.94,1.75-1.9l3.17-21.64c.18-1.25-.68-2.41-1.92-2.59ZM59.5,64.68c-1.15,1.07-2.57,2.36-4.78,3.6-.91.51-2.56-.28-3.33-.74-14.34-8.64-15.22-21.79-38.79-22.01-.15-1.72-.11-3.48.15-5.26,1.93-13.17,14.76-22.2,28.65-20.16,4.58.67,8.71,2.47,12.11,5.04-3.63-6.88-10.6-12.06-19.18-13.32-11.87-1.74-22.96,4.6-27.14,14.69,10.6-36.84,50.22-15.09,55.71,7.08l-31.7-10.01c-1.24-.37-2.67.6-2.6,1.93l.88,18.62c.04,1.17.55,1.93,1.93,2.6l28.8,12.98-.73,4.96ZM37.61,31.11c-.19,1.29-1.39,2.18-2.68,1.99s-2.18-1.39-1.99-2.68,1.39-2.18,2.68-1.99,2.18,1.39,1.99,2.68Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6>How to prepare your car for tech and safety inspections<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h6>Navigation and GPS setup, including LeadNav basics<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h6>Chase crew and pit operations strategy<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h6>Event logistics including Hammertown setup and daily schedules<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h6>How to sell yourself to potential sponsors and industry partners<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h6>How to survive and succeed at the toughest one-day off-road race in the world.<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div class=\"gt-get-event-content\"><div class=\"gt-columns gt-column-1 gt-column-space-25\"><div class=\"gt-col\"><div class=\"gt-inner\"><div class=\"gt-event-ticket gt-style-6 gt-active-on\"><div class=\"gt-ticket-inner\"><div class=\"gt-ticket-header\"><div class=\"gt-price\"><span><\/span>$2,500<\/div><div class=\"gt-title\">Program tuition is per competitor and includes access to:<\/div><\/div><div class=\"gt-ticket-features\"><p>All virtual training sessions<br \/>\nOnsite Rookie Week in Johnson Valley<br \/>\nPRI Rookie Bootcamp full-day classroom experience<br \/>\nHammertown rookie sessions during race week<br \/>\nExclusive resource materials, guides, and direct access to KOH officials<br \/>\nTravel and accommodations are not included<br \/>\nMeals will be provided during Johnson Valley Rookie Week<br \/>\nAll registrations will be handled through USAC Racing<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gt-buy-now gt-external-button gt-button gt-style-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/usacracing.redpodium.com\/2026-king-of-the-hammers-registration\" target=\"_blank\">Sign Up Today!<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912296120{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=&#8221;4735&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_rounded&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762904483274{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1762912200100{background-color: #181818 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] OVERVIEW The KOH Rookie Program\u00a0is the official onboarding program for first-time competitors preparing to take on the 20th&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":3775,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4460","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.5 (Yoast SEO v26.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM - King of the Hammers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/kingofthehammers.com\/race\/2026-rookie-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2026 ROOKIE PROGRAM\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; 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