Better late than never.

Four months after multiple Can-Am Maverick R drivers were disqualified from the Mint 400 because their cars were deemed too wide, Unlimited Off-Road Racing announced that the track width for most UTV classes—UTV Pro, UTV Pro Open, UTV Pro Turbo, UTV Pro Normally Aspirated, UTV Pro Stock Modified, and UTV Stock Modified R—has been increased to 83 inches. The changes come “effective immediately”, meaning they will be available for the California 300 in Barstow.

Previously, UNLTD and most desert racing series stipulated the maximum track width for UTVs (from the outside of one tire to the outside of the other side’s tire) was 80 inches. However, a completely stock Maverick R’s width measures in at 83″ because of its unique suspension design as opposed to other UTVs like its predecessor Maverick X3 or the Polaris RZR.

Following the Mint 400 Limited Race in March, five Maverick Rs failed post-race inspection because the rule at the time followed the 80″ parameter, including UTV Pro winner Joe Terrana. Although the Mint wasn’t under their jurisdiction, SNORE updated their rulebook days after the race to permit an 83″ track width for SXS Pro Turbo and SXS Unlimited.

When tagged in an Instagram Story calling it “crazy” that it took until now for the rule to change, Kaden Wells reacted with four laugh-cry emojis. He was disqualified after finishing third in UTV Pro.

Other classes like UTV Pro Stock continue to mandate an 80″ track width.

UNLTD has also opened a “Rule Change Request Period” that allows competitors to submit ideas for rule changes until August 31.

Featured image credit: Daniel Schenkelberg