DirtHammer is a fresh online marketplace for UTVs that claims it won't disappoint.

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      There’s a surge of fast-driving enthusiasts gravitating towards side-by-sides as sports cars lose their appeal. While a few negative experiences may tarnish the reputation of some, I can assure you that there are genuine UTV aficionados out there. In many respects, today's UTVs resemble the performance cars of 15, 20, or even 30 years ago: they are raw, loud, and incredibly fun to drive.

      Unfortunately, the buying experience is disappointing.

      That’s the issue that DirtHammer, a newly launched online marketplace dedicated to side-by-sides, aims to resolve. The founders, professional critics and reviewers—Zach Bowman, Sam Smith, and Colin Comer—have substantial knowledge about how these vehicles operate. If you’re familiar with their work, you’ll understand that their involvement is a strong indicator of success. For those who don’t know them, here’s what Bowman shared with The Drive about the motivation behind starting DirtHammer:

      “A few years ago, I transitioned from Road & Track to the Cycle World family, managing UTVDriver.com. My mission was clear: create a Car and Driver for side-by-sides. Back then, the machines were hardly more than raised golf carts, but I joined just in time to witness a surge in development and sophistication. We’re talking about vehicles boasting 240 horsepower, seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, anti-lag systems, all-wheel drive, and adaptive suspensions—cutting-edge technology. However, while capabilities and prices soared, the buying and selling solutions lagged behind. At UTVDriver, we purchased various machines for project vehicles, and every transaction was an ordeal. You often found yourself on Facebook Marketplace sifting through listings with two blurry photos and no details or contacting dealers selling machines they had advertised months prior. I recognized an opportunity to enhance the buying and selling experience for everyone.”

      Bowman certainly knows how to sell an idea. DirtHammer also has support from notable figures, such as sports car racing champion Boris Said and NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric. Tim Cindric, former President of Team Penske, is also among the investors.

      The initial version of DirtHammer has been live for several months, featuring random UTV listings sourced from across the internet along with a genuinely thorough array of buyers’ guides. The guides will remain a fundamental aspect of the website, as they are crafted by real experts with authentic experience. However, future listings will be user-generated, featuring high-quality photography and professionally written descriptions, similar to Bring a Trailer, but focused on side-by-sides.

      Here’s how it works: Users listing their vehicles within the first 90 days pay DirtHammer a fee of $49, with an option for a comprehensive media package that includes professional photography and videography. Once a vehicle sells, the buyer and seller will each pay a 4.5% commission on the final price. Additionally, anyone purchasing within the first 30 days will receive over $1,000 in prizes and discounts from DirtHammer’s partners, including a free Optima Orange Top lithium powersports battery, two Rugged Radios GRM2 handheld radios, a vehicle-specific Multifunction Tailgate Light from Ravek, and an Adam’s Off Road Kit from Adam’s Polishes.

      Here’s a quick look at a listing on DirtHammer. dirthammer.com

      That all sounds intriguing, but is it sufficient to persuade you to list your vehicle on a new, untested platform? We asked Bowman why anyone would choose this route over the conventional options like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. He responded, “How much time do you have? Our main advantage is our commitment to assisting users in a way that other platforms don’t. We ensure that all buyers and sellers are verified and registered. This means no tire kickers, no ‘Is this available?’ messages, and reduced chances of fraud.”

      “Importantly, we provide tools to streamline and clarify the buying and selling of side-by-sides as much as possible,” Bowman added. “Sellers can establish a reserve price and a ‘Drop the Hammer’ buy-it-now price. Buyers can use our escrow partner, KeySavvy, to safeguard against fraud and ensure all paperwork is managed correctly. We also have a shipping partner to facilitate the transportation of your new machine without needing your own truck and trailer. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships for financing. Lastly, our extensive library of Buyer’s Guides is crafted by staff who have real-world driving experience.”

      Here’s the main page for DirtHammer’s UTV buyer’s guides. dirthammer.com

      Beyond the typical motivations for launching a new business, Bowman shared that his decision was equally fueled by passion.

      “I spent nearly 20 years writing about cars during one of the high points in automotive engineering. But it became clear when I left