Johnson Valley, Calif. – Ford Performance continued its success at King of the Hammers as the Bronco 4600 race truck once again swept the podium in the 4600 Stock Class of the Every Man Challenge. This marks Ford’s third podium sweep and extends Bronco’s winning streak to four consecutive years. After years of coming close, off-road legend and Ultra4 Hall of Famer Brad Lovell finally took home the victory. Defending champion Bailey Cole fought hard to secure second place, while John Williams III rounded out the all-Bronco podium in third.
“This win is huge for us,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance. “King of the Hammers is one of the toughest races out there – it pushes everything and everyone to their absolute limits. Every year, we come here knowing we’ll learn something new, and every year, we make Bronco even better because of it. This race is as real as it gets, and today, Bronco showed exactly why it’s built to take on the toughest conditions and come out on top. That’s what ‘Built Wild’ is all about.”
Lovell’s win comes after four years of setting the fastest qualifying times but falling short of the top step. His perseverance paid off as he skillfully navigated Johnson Valley’s brutal terrain, blending high-speed desert runs with technical rock crawling mastery. Lovell, with his son Adam as co-driver, also secured victory in the Desert Stock OEM class during Saturday’s Desert Challenge in the Ford Bronco Raptor.
“This one means everything,” said Lovell. “After years of coming so close, years of number one qualifiers, to finally stand on the top step is surreal. Ford Performance has put their heart and soul into the 4600 program, and built a platform that thrives in the roughest conditions. Today we proved why Bronco continues to be out here at King of the Hammers.”
Bailey Cole, fresh off his 2024 victory, pushed hard to defend his title, keeping the pressure on Lovell throughout the race to secure second place. John Williams III continued his rise in the off-road ranks, completing the podium sweep and making history with Ford’s latest 1-2-3 finish in the Every Man Challenge.
The Bronco 4600 is designed to withstand the punishing conditions of the Mojave, featuring a production-based 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a high-strength steel chassis. They are further enhanced with race-ready FOX shocks, Dana axles, and 35-inch BFGoodrich tires – key components that create a race-ready, rock-ready off-road vehicle.
The Every Man Challenge is known for breaking both vehicles and drivers with its brutal mix of high-speed desert racing and near-impossible rock crawling. Lovell’s long-awaited victory, Cole’s relentless pursuit, and Williams III’s rising talent embodied Bronco’s enduring spirit and Ford’s commitment to building trucks that can take on anything.
