Ultra4 Racing Partners With Backroads of Appalachia & The State of Kentucky
The partnership marks the creation of a new Ultra4 Racing East Coast headquarters with a new testing & development facility & off-road race…
Ultra4 Racing announced a partnership with Backroads of Appalachia and the State of Kentucky. The collaboration aims to expand the national footprint of Ultra4 by offering new development and training opportunities for teams and aspiring racers, while stimulating economic development and tourism in the Appalachian region, officials stated in a press release.
New Ultra4 Racing Testing & Development Facility
The partnership marks the creation of the East Coast headquarters for Ultra4 Racing at a newly constructed 200-acre test and development facility in Booneville, Kentucky, featuring a dedicated 1.4-mile off-road test track and a 60,000-square-foot building with garage and office space. The facility will offer Ultra4 teams and OEMs a test and development arena in a safe and secure environment, noted the release. Construction is underway, with the facility expected to open in mid-2026.
The facility will also serve as the East Coast base for the youth-focused Ultra4Next Training & Workforce Development Center. Backroads of Appalachia says this initiative aligns with its mission to offer technical and trade skill development within the motorsports industry, providing Appalachian youth access to hands-on experience and career pathways into motorsports.
Ultra4 Series Race at Kentucky’s Leatherwood Off-Road Park
Additionally, Ultra4 announced a multi-year agreement to host a world-class Ultra4 Series race at Kentucky’s Leatherwood Off-Road Park, with the first event slated for Fall of 2026. With Kentucky’s SB-63 legislation, tagged side-by-sides and off-road trucks will be permitted to legally transit and operate on public roads, allowing teams to set up operations directly in nearby towns and opening the door to greater community integration during events, according to officials.
“We’re tremendously excited to broaden our national footprint, and thankful for the opportunity,” said Dave Cole, founder of Ultra4 and the King of the Hammers. “It is a big step forward for Ultra4 as we expand our reach and create new opportunities for racers, students and fans to be part of the action.”
Growing Both the Racing & Local Community
The goal of Ultra4’s East Coast headquarters and test track in Booneville is to not only offer a new development and training ground to racers and enthusiasts, but also stimulate economic growth in the region by attracting new businesses, driving tourism and creating jobs. Officials said that next year’s Ultra4 Series race is a key part of that vision, bringing together the best in motorsports and the incredible natural beauty of the Appalachian region.
The project is funded by a $7.4-million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is part of the Appalachian Overland Triangle initiative, which seeks to rebuild rural economies through motorsports and outdoor tourism. The grant was spearheaded by Backroads CEO Erik Hubbard, with the effort and support of many, including Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, Kentucky Representative Chris Fugate and Owsley County Judge/Executive Zeke Little Jr.
