OPTIMA Batteries-Backed Racer Wins King of the Hammers Desert Challenge

OPTIMA Batteries, a division of Clarios, announced Christopher Polvoorde’s win at the King of the Hammers event. After qualifying first in the Toyo Tires Desert Challenge presented by Monster Energy, Polvoorde used the first-place starting position to his advantage on race day, dominating the race from start to finish.

Following up on his Unlimited class victory in 2024, Polvoorde entered the 2025 Unlimited race as a crowd favorite, according to the press release. He took the OPTIMA Batteries Ford Performance Trophy Truck to the top of the leaderboard in qualifying with a time of 5:02.9.

Kicking off the race day with a strategic advantage, Polvoorde was first to leave the starting line and quickly opened up his lead. A misstep in the pits resulted in pressure from second place, but Polvoorde’s aggressive pace continued throughout the day, giving him the gap he needed to secure the win.

“We have worked with Christopher [Polvoorde] for a long time, and we know he has it in him,” said Cam Douglass, director of marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. “He had us on the edge of our seats but seeing everything come together for him today made it all worth it.”

After a mechanical issue early into the Baja 1000 that ended the race for Polvoorde, OPTIMA Batteries stated that leading every lap of the Desert Challenge is the perfect way to kick off the 2025 racing season.

“It wasn’t an easy day by any means,” said Polvoorde. “Bouncing back from Baja we wanted to make sure we were ready for any scenario–but the OPTIMA Batteries Ford Performance truck was running beautifully today and in qualifying–thankfully we just got to keep our heads down and push for the finish.”

OPTIMA Batteries and Clarios strive to push for the highest level of performance testing, with racers like Polvoorde driving at King of the Hammers, considered some of the most grueling off-road races in the world. OPTIMA Batteries has a large presence at King of the Hammers, supporting Polvoorde and other drivers like Kyle Jergensen (second overall and T2 class winner) from the OPTIMA Oasis. The Oasis is an immersive experience for off-road enthusiasts of all kinds, powered by CLARIOS ‘initiative to provide power solutions in the most extreme conditions.