Inside The World’s Toughest Off-Road Race

[Narrator] Welcome to Hammertown,

the temporary desert city

that springs up every year for the off-road race series

known as King of the Hammers.

Think Burning Man meets Mad Max,

but sponsored by Monster Energy.

What's up, bro?

You're a little late. Glad to have you here.

[Narrator] Hammers started 20 years ago

as a contest between 13 friends.

Now, it draws over 80,000 attendees

who can purchase general admission tickets starting at $100.

Around 750 professional and amateur racers

drawn from all over the world compete

in a series of races featuring everything

from rock climbing dirt bikes and VW bugs

to limos and million dollar trophy trucks.

He's been coming even when he was in his car seat.

He was riding in this thing.

Yeah, ever since I was, you know, that big,

I've been riding this thing.

We just go play in the mud and have a great time.

[Narrator] Beyond the sponsor banners

and factory-backed rigs,

many vehicles double as political statements.

They have custom vinyl wraps,

antenna-amounted flags and sticker tailgates.

King of the Hammers isn't just about

who crosses the finish line first.

It's about a community that returns each winter

to break things, fix them, and break them again.

[exciting upbeat music]