King of the Hammers, often referred to as KOH, is a legendary off-road racing event that has captured the hearts of adrenaline junkies and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Since its inception, this annual spectacle has grown in popularity, drawing participants and fans from all corners of the globe.
History
King of the Hammers was created in 2007 in Johnson Valley, California. What started as a friendly challenge among a group of friends soon evolved into a full-blown off-road racing extravaganza. The event combines two distinct forms of motorsport: rock crawling and high-speed desert racing. The race is named after the notorious hammer-themed trail names. Thus, when you win the race you are the "King of the Hammers".
The Challenge
At its core, King of the Hammers is a test of endurance, skill, and sheer determination. Drivers tackle a punishing course that includes steep rock climbs, treacherous descents, and unforgiving desert stretches. The race spans over 200 miles, making it one of the toughest single-day off-road races in the world.
In addition, racers do not know the race course until just before the race begins, when they are given GPS coordinates to follow. Most race vehicles have a navigator, in addition to a driver, as a result. They also carry anticipated spare parts like driveshafts, wheels, tires, to keep them in the race. Often helicopters remove the disabled race vehicles from mountain ranges due to the difficult path to reach them when they can't complete the race.
Key Features
- Ultra4 Racing: King of the Hammers is the flagship event of Ultra4 Racing, a series that has gained recognition for its unique blend of rock crawling and desert racing.
- Huge Spectator Turnout: The event's popularity has led to a massive annual gathering of fans and supporters who come to witness the action.
- Two-Week-Long Festivities: Beyond the race itself, King of the Hammers offers two weeks of activities, including moto, rock crawling competitions, vendor displays, and live entertainment.
- A Sense of Community: KOH fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants and fans, making it a must-attend event for those in the off-road community.
King of the Hammer Races
For 2024 KOH presents the following races:
- Liqui Moly King of the Motos - First stop on the U.S Hard Enduro Tour for dirt bikes.
- Toyo Tires Desert Challenge - A desert course ran with Trophy trucks more so for higher speeds.
- Baja Vida Class 11 - A landrush style start tasked with a high speed short course for VW bugs.
- Can Am UTV Hammers - A mix of rock and desert racing done in a UTV/Side by Side vehicle.
- EMC "Every Man Challenge" - A course of high speed desert mixed with rocky terrain raced by a class made for the average guy to have a swing at the notorious Hammers race. A wide array of vehicles but with part limitations.
- "Nitto Race of Kings" - The ultimate off-road challenge of man and machine. No vehicle limitations to tackle the most difficult race in North America. With many not even completing the race, it leaves those who do worn out after a grueling battle to be completed within the 14 hour limitation.
King of the Hammers is more than just a race; it's an experience like no other. The combination of history, challenging terrain, and a passionate community of racers and fans makes it a truly remarkable event in the world of motorsports. Whether you're a die-hard off-road enthusiast or simply seeking an adrenaline rush, KOH should be on your bucket list.
Every race is livestreamed via the KOH YouTube Channel. And Live updates are provided via the KOH App, available in the Apple or Google Play store.
KOH Race Schedule and Results
The King of the Motos
- 1. Cody Webb (She)
- 2. Trystan Hart (KTM)
- 3. Ryder LeBlond (Hus)
- 4. Will Riordan (GG)
- 5. Cooper Abbott (She)
Baja Vida Class 11 Showdown
- 1. Blake Wilkey
- 2. Oliver Flemate
- 3. Ryan Millen
- 4. David Sanchez
- 5. Donny Donovan
The Toyo Tires Desert Challenge
1400/1450
- 1. D. Parsons
- 2. Z. Conner
- 3. B. Michael
- 4. V. Munoz
- 5. C. Steele
Limited Race (B2&B3)
- 1.B. Heger
- 2. M. Eddy Jr.
- 3. W. Matlock
- 4. K. Wells
- 5. J. Terrana
Unlimited Race
- 1. C Polvoorde
- 2. T. Herbst
- 3. K. Jergensen
- 4. C. Garcia
- 5. J. Smith
Can Am UTV Hammers Championship
4900 Futures Youth Results
- 1. Dylan Trent
- 2. Colin Waggoner
- 3. Aaden Gilbert (R)
- 4. Payton Dumford (R)
- 5. Xzander Vejar
Can-Am UTV Championship Results
- 1. Kyle Chaney
- 2. Mitch Guthrie
- 3. Philip Blurton
- 4. Brock Heger
- 5. CJ Greaves
EMC "Every Man Challenge"
4800 Branik Motorsports Legends Class
- 1. Randy Slawson
- 2. Stephen Rose Jr.
- 3. Jeremy Jones
- 4. Nicholas Allegri
- 5. Brian Trempe
4500 Yukon Gear and Axle Modified Class
- 1. Duane Garretson
- 2. Shad Kennedy
- 3. Steve Crawford
- 4. Rick Lavezzo
- 5. Dan Wyrick
4600 Currie Enterprises Stock Class
- 1. Bailey Cole
- 2. Loren Healy
- 3. Alex Mcneil
- 4. Jesse Bennett
- 5. John Williams
Ultra 4 EV Class
- 1. Keith Silva
Military Class
- 1. Brandon Johnson
Nitto Race of the Kings
- 1. JP Gomez
- 2. Brett Harrell
- 3. John Webb
- 4. Daniel Fresh
- 5. Erik Miller
