OPTIMA Batteries has been announced as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 King of the Hammers (KOH) event and is now unveiling an itinerary of events for its OPTIMA Oasis powered by Clarios on the lakebed in Johnson Valley, California.
The OPTIMA Oasis powered by Clarios serves as a private sanctuary for industry leaders, racers, creators and off-road brands to reconnect at the annual desert get-together and recharge from the races and off-road activities, company officials stated in a press release. Clarios has tapped into OPTIMA Batteries’ enthusiast roots to create a unique base camp that serves as an opportunity for it to connect with and empower OEMs and partners.
OPTIMA Oasis Events at King of the Hammers
The lineup of events during KOH race week includes:
Raptor Off-Road Experience Powered by OPTIMA: Jan. 31-Feb. 1
Led by Ford Racing and in partnership with OPTIMA Batteries, this two-day rally—exclusive to Ford F-150 Raptors, Ranger Raptors and Bronco Raptors—includes trail riding, iconic landmarks and stops at scenic viewpoints to catch a glimpse of the KOH Desert Challenge. VIP access to finish line celebrations is also part of the rally.
Military Monday: Feb. 2
OPTIMA Batteries plans to honor veterans with a celebratory parade led by military vehicles that will start in the OPTIMA Oasis and end in Hammertown. The afternoon’s event will also include renowned guest speakers and a viewing of the mass enlistment ceremony within Hammertown.
OPTIMA Unplugged: Feb. 4
OPTIMA Unplugged is a poker-run-style rally, led by Rivian Clubs of America, in which EV and alternative energy vehicles tour the iconic KOH and Johnson Valley off-road trails. Industry icons, influencers and off-road enthusiasts will attend the rally.
OPTIMA Rally by Jeep Jamboree: Feb. 5
OPTIMA Batteries will host the Jeep Jamboree USA team as they take Jeep enthusiasts on a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the most challenging off-road races in history. This VIP trip will be limited to only 25 Jeep vehicles and will feature rock crawling and desert trail riding.
OPTIMA Trailer Park Drift Invitational: Feb. 5
OPTIMA Batteries will host a group of ambassadors, professional racers and celebrities at the OPTIMA Oasis for a Crazy Cart tournament, benefitting the Little Warrior Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer.
OPTIMA Batteries Sponsored Racers
In addition to these events, the OPTIMA Batteries team will support a variety of its athletes as they tackle the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge, the UTV Hammers Championship, the Every Man Challenge and the Race of Kings.
Coming off wins at the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge and the Baja 1000 in 2025, OPTIMA Batteries’ Christopher Polvoorde is a fan-favorite to win at this year’s Desert Challenge, the company said. He, along with other OPTIMA Batteries athletes, will be running their race operations out of the OPTIMA Oasis.
“King of the Hammers is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Cam Douglass, marketing director of OPTIMA Batteries. “Not only is it a proving ground for our products, but it also provides the perfect backdrop to connect with off-road enthusiasts of all types, from beginners to professional racers, and from two-wheels all the way to the future tech of the evolving premiere race classes.”
King of the Hammers spectators can stop by the OPTIMA Batteries booth in Hammertown to talk to the OPTIMA tech team and pick up exclusive merchandise, noted the release.