Off-road racing in America just got a big boost with a fresh partnership that's bringing two major series together under one roof. Can-Am, the side-by-side brand known for tough, capable machines, has stepped up as the main sponsor for the brand-new American Off-Road Racing Championship. This league combines the strengths of Unlimited Off-Road Racing and Best in the Desert, turning them into a single five-race points series that promises some of the best desert competition around.
For years, Can-Am has backed racers, events, and the whole off-road scene with sponsorships and reliable gear. Now, they're throwing their weight behind this unified championship, which pulls together the biggest names in the sport. Best in the Desert goes way back to 1984, started by the late Casey Folks, a true legend in the game. They've put on classics like Vegas to Reno – the longest off-road race in the country – along with the Silver State 300, Parker 425, and Laughlin Desert Classic. On the other side, Unlimited Off-Road Racing, run by the Martelli Brothers since 2023, brings high-energy events such as The Mint 400, California 300, and Parker 400. These races draw huge fields of competitors, tough courses with plenty of pre-running time, and spectator setups that make it easy for families to get close to the action, especially near big cities.
Putting these two together means keeping the old-school heritage alive while pushing things forward with better organization, consistent rules, and top-level racing that everyone can count on.
Bryan Folks, the COO for the new championship, talked about the long history with Can-Am. “We have had a great relationship with Can-Am, they have supported us, supported the racers, and have built an amazing race-capable off-road vehicle platform with the Maverick X3 and Maverick R. Additionally, my staff and I have used the Can-Am Defender platform to mark and clean course covering over thousands of off-road miles. We look forward to working with Can-Am to continue to elevate the sport of off-road racing in America."
That Defender mention hits home for a lot of guys who spend time out in the dirt – it's the kind of workhorse that gets the job done when you're prepping trails or hauling gear across rough country, proving its worth mile after mile.
JF Leclerc, who handles racing for Can-Am and parent company BRP, explained why this fits perfectly. “We’re excited to sponsor this new unified league. For Can-Am, racing is more than competition; it’s where we push our technology and accelerate development across our entire lineup of vehicles. Every mile of testing in the desert directly influences the vehicles we develop for our consumers. This series is the ultimate proving ground for our Maverick R platform, and we look forward to putting it to the test at some of the most iconic races in North America.”
The Maverick R stands out as a beast built for exactly this kind of punishment – high horsepower, advanced suspension, and features that come straight from race testing. Guys who head to the dealership can pick up something very close to what the pros run, which is a big deal when you want real-world reliability.
Matt Martelli, CEO of the championship, added his take. “Can-Am has been racing what they sell for over a decade. This is the same vehicle that you can go buy from your local dealership, illustrating the direct correlation between off-road racing and consumer available products. We are excited to have Can-Am involved with us pushing the limits of off-road technology.”
That's the appeal for many enthusiasts: improvements hammered out on brutal desert courses end up in the machines parked in garages across the country.
Fans should keep an eye out for Can-Am's factory team hitting the full schedule, chasing wins in individual races and the overall title. At standout events like The Mint 400 and Vegas to Reno, there will be on-site setups where people can get up close with the vehicles, talk to the team, and feel the excitement firsthand.
The American Off-Road Racing Championship positions itself as the top desert series in North America, blending the best of both worlds: the deep traditions from Best in the Desert and the fresh ideas from Unlimited Off-Road Racing. It's all about giving racers clearer paths, sponsors better exposure, and everyone involved a stronger future for the sport.
Behind Can-Am is BRP, a company with decades of experience building powersports gear – from snowmobiles to watercraft to on- and off-road vehicles. They focus on real innovation and customer needs, even rolling out electric options as things evolve. Based in Canada, they've grown into a worldwide player with solid sales and a big team dedicated to getting people out adventuring.
This sponsorship feels like a natural step, tying race-proven tech directly to everyday rides. For anyone who loves hitting the trails, chasing dust clouds, or just building something capable in the garage, it's a sign that desert racing is headed into an even stronger chapter – one where the machines keep getting better because they're tested in the harshest places possible.
