RZR FACTORY RACING'S BROCK HEGER CONTINUES HISTORIC STREAK BY WINNING KING OF THE HAMMERS DESERT CHALLENGE FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Rhea-AI Summary

Polaris RZR Factory Racing dominated the 2025 King of the Hammers (KOH) Desert Challenge, with Brock Heger securing his second consecutive victory in the UTV Open class. Polaris racers swept the podium and secured nine of the top ten positions. Heger, fresh from his Dakar Rally victory, led wire-to-wire in his RZR Pro R Factory, finishing 3 minutes and 6 seconds ahead of second place.

Doug Mittag and Dallas Gonzalez claimed second and third places in modified RZR Pro Rs, while Max Eddy Jr. finished fourth. The event showcased the RZR Pro R Factory's desert racing capabilities, which Polaris announced is now available for purchase as the industry's only OEM-produced race UTV. Heger and Bryce Menzies will continue competing at KOH in the UTV Hammers Championship Race Rock on February 6, using modified Gen 1 RZR Pro R Factory machines specially tuned for rock terrain.

Positive

• Dominant market position demonstrated with 9 of top 10 positions secured
• Launch of commercial RZR Pro R Factory as industry's first OEM-produced race UTV
• Continued racing success validates product performance and reliability

Negative

• None.

Polaris Racers Sweep the Podium, with Doug Mittag and Dallas Gonzalez Securing Second and Third in Modified RZR Pro R's, While RZR Factory Racing Driver Max Eddy Jr. Finished Fourth in RZR Pro R Factory

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This past Saturday, the 2025 UTV racing season officially kicked off at King of the Hammers (KOH) with the 6th annual Desert Challenge, and RZR Factory Racing's Brock Heger wasted no time picking up where he left off after his history-making win at the prestigious Dakar Rally. Proving once again that he's unstoppable behind the wheel of his RZR Pro R Factory, Heger delivered a dominant wire-to-wire performance to secure his second consecutive victory at the event, claiming the overall UTV win in the UTV Open class during the Limited Race.

In addition to Heger, Polaris-supported racers dominated the event, securing nine of the top ten positions, including a podium sweep. Doug Mittag and Dallas Gonzalez claimed second and third places in their modified RZR Pro Rs, while RZR Factory Racing driver Max Eddy Jr. finished fourth in his RZR Pro R Factory. Wayne and Kristin Matlock secured sixth and seventh place, respectively, with Mikey Kelly in eighth and Dylan Schmoke landing ninth in his orange RZR Pro R Factory. Finally, CJ Greaves rounding out the top ten.

When the four-lap race got underway, Heger started in second, having secured that position during the qualifier race. He wasted no time charging to the front, quickly seizing the lead and never looking back. Heger set a blistering pace, controlling every lap with confidence and crossing the finish line 3 minutes and 6 seconds ahead of second place. Navigating the rugged Johnson Valley desert terrain with precision, Heger showcased the unmatched performance and durability of the RZR Pro R Factory, solidifying its dominance as the ultimate desert racing machine.

"It's incredible to come back to our home turf after competing overseas at the Dakar Rally and secure another win," said Heger "We qualified well, which allowed us to get to the front early and run our own race. Dakar is about preservation over two weeks, whereas this event is an all-out sprint. Regardless of the strategy, my RZR Pro R Factory always delivers. The vehicle's incredible power made today's victory possible. It was also a great day for Polaris, with our drivers securing the top four positions. Next up is the rock race, which will be a big opportunity for us to put our Polaris back on top. We have qualifying on Monday and racing on Thursday, so I'm excited to get back out there."

"What an incredible day for Polaris and the RZR Pro R," said Alex Scheuerell, RZR Factory Racing Technical Director. "Continuing our dominance from last season and Dakar is truly gratifying for everyone involved. Brock continues to impress us with his exceptional racing expertise - to tackle the two-week challenge in Saudi Arabia and then come here and excel in a full sprint is mind-blowing. Securing nine of the top ten positions, with outstanding performances from RZR Factory Racing drivers, as well as Doug [Mittag], Dallas [Gonzalez], Wayne and Kristin [Matlock], Mikey [Kelly] and CJ [Greaves], underscores why the Pro R platform is the premier side-by-side in the industry."

In addition to the impressive race results, Polaris announced on Friday, that the RZR Pro R Factory is now available for purchase. This groundbreaking race-ready platform, developed by the RZR Racing division and proven in the world's toughest competitions, allows hardcore racers to own the same machine that has secured victories at events like this and the Dakar Rally. As the industry's only OEM-produced race UTV, the RZR Pro R Factory boasts race-winning performance, desert-racing design, and race-optimized technology, making it the ultimate desert racing machine.

RZR Factory Racing still has some work to do in Johnson Valley this week, as Heger and Bryce Menzies take their skills to the UTV Hammers Championship Race Rock on Thursday, February 6 behind the wheel of modified Gen 1 RZR Pro R Factory machines that have been specifically tuned to conquer the rock-strewn terrain, including the iconic Chocolate Thunder.

Featuring reinforced componentry, specially tuned suspension, a winch, and other enhancements, these machines are designed and retrofitted to take on the legendary King of the Hammers Rock Challenge as the drivers aim to put Polaris on top of the podium.

To learn more, please visit Polaris.com/RZR or join the conversation and follow on Facebook ^sm, Instagram ^sm, YouTube ^sm and X^sm.

About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR and Polaris XPEDITION and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves nearly 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

 

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SOURCE Polaris Inc.

FAQ

Who won the 2025 King of the Hammers Desert Challenge UTV Open class?

Brock Heger won the 2025 King of the Hammers Desert Challenge UTV Open class, securing his second consecutive victory at the event in his RZR Pro R Factory.

How many Polaris vehicles finished in the top 10 at the 2025 KOH Desert Challenge?

Polaris vehicles secured 9 out of the top 10 positions at the 2025 King of the Hammers Desert Challenge, including a complete podium sweep.

What is significant about the RZR Pro R Factory's commercial release?

The RZR Pro R Factory is the industry's first OEM-produced race UTV, now available for purchase, offering the same platform that won events like Dakar Rally and King of the Hammers.

When is the UTV Hammers Championship Race Rock at KOH 2025?

The UTV Hammers Championship Race Rock is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025, where Brock Heger and Bryce Menzies will compete in modified Gen 1 RZR Pro R Factory machines.