To ensure a level playing field, Best In The Desert has restructured the Youth UTV 1000 class for the 2025 season into three divisions.

“Our goal is to provide the best experience for all of our racers,” stated BITD assistant race director Megan Van Cleve. “These changes reflect our commitment to listening, evolving, and ensuring a bright future for youth desert racing. We can’t wait to see these young competitors rise to the challenge.”

Those new to desert racing are to compete in the Restricted subcategory, which is a spec category where everyone uses production single-seater Polaris RZR RS1s. While it also uses 1000cc engines, an intake restrictor (either from Sparks Racing or Weller Racing) must also be installed.

From there, drivers can step up into the Limited NA class for naturally aspirated production UTVs from any brand, provided the manufacturer has sold at least 250 units of the exact model and configuration. Single- and two-seat cars can be raced here.

Finally, the top class for “seasoned competitors” is Open. Its UTVs have similar specs to Limited NA, but OEM factory turbochargers are permitted. Open’s minimum age limit is also higher at 12 years as opposed to Restricted and Limited NA’s 10 years.

BITD’s next race, the Silver State 300 in May, will be the first with the youth classes for the year. The 2024 SS 300 saw the kids race on the larger course for the first time, while the series is also “considering” letting them take part in the Vegas to Reno.