New skins, new builds, and new teams continue to dominate this year’s King of the Hammers. We are not only excited to share that Brad Lovell is rocking a fresh new look for his 4600 Bronco (see photos below) -BUT- his son Adam will be co-driving his first-ever KOH! Adam will also be racing the B3 UTV class, so needless to say, no sleep for you, Adam.
Roger Lovell, Brad’s brother, has traditionally been both co-driver and driver for their KOH team but is taking this time off to focus on the upcoming NORRA 1000. It sounds like the Lovell Racing Team is kicking things up in a big way for 2024. We can’t wait to see this season in action!
We just received this fresh press release from Team RTR, another big drop just before King of the Hammers. No shortage of excitement around here! Let’s dive right in.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, JANUARY 17 2024 – Vaughn and RTR Vehicles are excited to be starting 2024 off with the excitement of the all-new Switchgear! Designed and built by RTR Vehicles and Ford Performance the Switchgear was inspired by the Ford F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver from 2016.
“I’m pumped to be able to work with the very passionate teams at Ford for a second time developing a first of its kind EV vehicle built for fun!” said Vaughn. “Based on Ford’s F-150 all-electric Lightning the Switchgear showcases the on- and off-road capabilities possible through electrification. I’m very surprised at how much I am enjoying experiencing and pushing electric vehicles just as we do our ICE creations, exciting and very fun times!”
Debuting in its off-road configuration the Switchgear is named for its ability to be setup for both on- and off-road fun! In its current setup the Switchgear is running FOX 3.0 with remote reservoir – 6 in. stroke, 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers and RTR Tech 6 forged aluminum alloy with bead-lock ring. When converted to its on-road setup the Nitto Ridge Grapplers are replaced by NT420V 305/55R20 on RTR Tech 6 flow-formed aluminum alloy wheels and the weight distribution to a 50/50 split from the 49/51 in favor of the rear when setup for off-road. Additionally, the ride height will vary from 7-inches in the front and 5-inches in the rear to 13.5-inches in the front to 11-inches in the rear for on-road and off-road, respectively. In both configurations the Switchgear is running five RECARO Sportster ORV seats.
The Switchgear is the second Ford Performance Demonstrator vehicle built in collaboration with RTR along with the Mustang Mach-E 1400. The duo are now part of Ford Performance’s extensive stable of all-electric vehicles including the Supervan 4.0 and 4.2, CobraJet 1400 and 1800 and the F100 Eluminator.
You can see the Switchgear in person and in action in a few weeks at this year’s King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, CA.
What an amazing race! Crazy to see an over 5-hour race unfold, with the battle for first down to just seconds! The King of the Hammers team has put together a great race recap that we wanted to share below. Congrats to Raul and the entire GBR Team, and to Jason Scherer and Josh Byler for rounding out the top three. Watching Spider 9 Axles take all three top positions never gets old! Photo courtesy of King of the Hammers.
February 13, 2023 (Johnson Valley, CA) The 2023 Nitto Race of Kings was the most exciting and competitive race of the 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA and arguably in its history. Now a global motorsports event broadcast worldwide and attended by tens of thousands of spectators, the Nitto Race of Kings brought 104 drivers to the starting grid.
Many gave it their all, some finished, but only one could be “King.” Drivers and their teams fought their way across a savage 202-mile racecourse that is widely considered the toughest one-day desert off-road race in the world. Making his way masterfully through many miles of deep sand, razor sharp rocks, and huge boulders faster than all the others with a time of 5 hours, 45 minutes, and 27 seconds, returning 2022 champion Raul Gomez (83) was crowned the 2023 King of the Hammers. It was an epic battle throughout the race between Gomez and 3-time King Jason Scherer, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they watched the livestream and clock.
Raul Gomez told us, “My son Darian broke down in Jackhammer and hiked over to help me winch through Sledgehammer since I was in a single seat car.” Because Darian is a competitor, the rule is he can help other competitors, but no outside support is allowed during the race. “It made a big difference.” Darian remained in Jackhammer helping other cars, showing the sportsmanship known throughout this race.
“It felt just like we were in a short course race,” said Gomez. “Full send on the rock trails. That’s pretty much how it was today. It wasn’t like cruise in or crawl in. When I didn’t see his (Scherer) dust, I knew this guy is really moving fast, so I had to start picking up the pace.”
“On the second lap, I was catching him (Scherer) in the rock trails, and I got a flat. I had to jump out and get it myself. I’ve actually been practicing changing my flats all week and got really good at it. I got it down to less than 4 minutes, got right back out there and just tried to catch him again the whole race.”
“When I was coming up on Emerson Dry Lake on the way to finish line and I saw a helicopter flying over Jason and I yelled, “I got you, J!” That was the only thought I had in my mind. I just said, okay, at least we’re in the desert. It’s my time to shine right now!”
A Field of Kings
The 2023 Race of the Kings three-lap racecourse consisted of one lap of open high-speed desert that can hide obstacles and irregular terrain in a cloak of dust and two laps through the rocky tire-eating Hammers canyons. The last two laps are not exactly the same. The third lap consists of some of the second lap and a couple of unique rock canyons. The rock laps tend to spread out the field of contenders, and by the time leaders are on their third rock lap, an abundance of broken cars litter the course.
The 2023 Race of Kings win was not an easy one for Gomez. Three-time King Jason Scherer (76) started on the front row in the number two position next to pole-sitter Paul Wolff (1018) and led the 2023 Race of the Kings for almost its entire length.
Sherer was first on the road from the very early stages of the race, making the rest of the hopeful leaders chase him all day long. Gomez had started in the second row in fourth position next to Bryan Crofts (9), but quickly moved up and stuck to Scherer like a hunting hound on the chase.
Sherer led Gomez into the second lap by just a few seconds on corrected time. By the end of the third lap, Sherer was still first on the track, but behind on elapsed time by a mere 46 seconds. Gomez won the brutal 200-mile Race of Kings by crossing a few seconds behind Sherer but close to a minute’s advantage in elapsed time.
Three-time King Jason Scherer would get a second overall finish in the 2023 Race of the Kings with an elapsed time of 5 hours, 46 minutes, and 16 seconds. “It was a little bit of a bummer at the end of the day to lose a couple cylinders. It put us down on power and not able to do our thing by saving the car to have that late run. It stings but we did everything we could. Ironically, this is how we finished last year. We’ll be back.”
“I have to thank Jason Berger, my co-driver. He’s not only one of my best friends in the whole world, but he’s an awesome coach in the car. He knew exactly what we needed to do the entire race. He managed me and pushed me when he needed to.”
On racing against Raul Gomez, “It’s all you could ever hope for. When it comes down to the wire after nearly 6 hours and 200 miles of racing, it’s just such a great battle.”
Third place overall position would go to former (2020) King Josh Blyler (41) who started 13th off the start line. Josh clocked an elapsed time of 5 hours, 59 minutes, and 35 seconds. His father Rusty ended up fourth overall, right behind Josh. “It was a very fast course. You could just let the car eat. Pop pulled me off the line, and we didn’t catch him until lap three. He was winching in Aftershock. That was the first time we got to him, and I got around him.”
“There are not many sports you can race competitively with a father and son team. He’s just as competitive as an 18-year-old kid in this sport, so it’s fun. I would say I am more conservative. He is more, ‘I don’t care, hammer down kind of style.’ I try to save it a little better. He’s a little wilder than I am, that’s for sure.”
“My co-driver Jared and I have been in this car for the last four years and it just works so well. It’s necessary to have a groove, a value that works together. We communicate without talking, and it’s amazing how well we work together.”
KOH Draws Talent
The lure of King of the Hammers is strong with a reputation for testing the mettle of drivers and their machines. A host of talented drivers and their unlimited desert racing cars competed in the 2023 Nitto Race of the Kings.
Among those who came to battle the terrain and try their driving skills and physical resilience against the toughest desert race in the world were Baja-racing ace Cameron Steele, three-time King Shannon Campbell, Ford Bronco driver and two-time King Loren Healy, Jason Blanton, Levi Shirley, Ford Bronco team member Vaughn Gittin Jr., two-time King Erik Miller, and three-time King Randy Slawson.
Randy Slawson knows these trails like the back of his hand, so it’s no surprise he scored fifth overall in one of the roughest Race of Kings in years. “That last mile was painful. We wanted to finish hot, and we were coming in to do it. We cleared Turkey Claw (the last rock canyon before the finish) and were coming around into that sand wash. We were flying and clipped a rock, and I suddenly heard ‘clack, clack, clack, clack.’ We ripped the upper link mount off the car.”
“We’re just driving faster and faster because the equipment is getting better and better. Sometimes it’s scary. It’s definitely an exhilarating ride. But a lot of times, it’s just an all-day car crash in the rocks.”
We recently shared the official 2023 KOH schedule here, but before we forget best we share our schedule during the crazy race week. Let’s dive right in.
Phones are off, but we’re not closed! Our call center is offline, so we may better support the racers at this year’s KOH. Our phones are off from February 3rd thru February 13th, returning to normal on February 14th. During this time, while the phones are off, we are responding to all online support cases, emails sent to support @ spidertrax dot com, and we’re shipping all orders as usual.
We’re in Hammertown! We haven’t missed a single KOH since the OG13, but this year we’re excited to share we have our own spot in the pits. You’ll find us at 100 Spidertrax St. We’ll be there from Monday thru Saturday (2/6-2/11) to help out any and all racers. We’ll have a few soon-to-be-released products on display as well, so be sure to swing by.
Once again, we are this year’s Official Axle Sponsor! We are proud to be this year’s 2023 King of the Hammers Official Axle Sponsor. A title we take seriously, and one we have had the honor of having since the inception of Offical Ofs. Thank you as always to every racer who has supported our efforts, it’s an absolute blast growing this sport together!
We look forward to seeing everyone out there, and of course, for those that can’t make the trip, be sure to catch all the action over at the official King of the Hammers page.
This detailed itinerary, from the King of the Hammers team, recently landed in our inbox. For those making the trip out to Hammertown, or even those watching the action online, we think you’ll find this useful as well.
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January 27, 2023 (Johnson Valley, CA) – The 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries kicks off today. From its humble beginnings as a wager between a small group of friends in 2007, it has grown into the largest off-road motorsports event in the world and one of the largest to take place on public lands in the United States. It’s a must-attend event for any off-road enthusiast, but if you can’t be there, don’t worry. It’s easy to be part of the King of the Hammers action by joining the millions of fans watching the live event coverage online all week long.
With nearly a dozen days of racing for off-road vehicles of every shape and size, and 897 teams entered from 37 states across the U.S. and multiple countries, the Progressive King of the Hammers (KOH) is bigger than ever before. The massive off-road motorsports event also brings tens of thousands of spectators to Johnson Valley in the Southern California desert for a week of exciting racing on and around the treacherous and challenging boulder-filled trails known collectively as “The Hammers.” Described using names such as Jackhammer, Wrecking Ball, and Sledgehammer, these obstacle-filled sections of the Hammers racecourse create intense action and fierce competition as teams battle to get through them in one piece and cross the finish line.
Although King of the Hammers began as a one-day race for single-purpose rock-crawling rigs, the event continues to grow exponentially. Separate races for some of the world’s fastest and most capable UTVs, desert-racing trucks, buggies and motorcycles have been created and are now features throughout the week. The Holley EFI Shootout Presented by Action Sport Canopies and King Shocks and the Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI for near-stock VW bugs (Class 11) driven by the sport’s top pro drivers has become a fan favorite. New to 2023 are short-course off-road races for trucks and buggies, a Youth 170 UTV class, and additional classes in the desert and Ultra4.
The two-day 2023 SRT King of the Motos event on January 28th and 29th once again leads off the action-packed 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers. This extremely challenging hard enduro pits some of the best motorcycle riders against the toughest terrain, kicked off with a fan-favorite land rush start. The Nitto Race of the Kings caps the colossal off-road motorsports festival on Saturday, February 11th, and features the most potent Unlimited 4400 Class Ultra4 cars driven by some of the most talented drivers in the sport. Many of the Unlimited 4400 Ultra4 cars are custom-built by their drivers and co-drivers and include single-seat and two-seat designs with front or rear engines, and solid-axle or independent suspensions. Drivers attack the treacherous racecourse in a titanic battle that often sees attrition rates in the 50 percent range.
At the center of all this action is Hammertown, the temporary city in the desert built on Means Dry Lake. It’s the beating heart of the 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers which includes race pits and over 150 vendors for parts, gear, food, and beverage. There are Jumbotrons for spectators to view the live race broadcasts, and Hammertown offers a festival-like atmosphere all day long, live music at night and many interactive experiences. The 2023 King of the Hammers is a celebration of racing and off-road culture, and Hammertown has become the place to be for off-road enthusiasts who come to enjoy the races and drive their own vehicles in Johnson Valley’s wide-open spaces.
Live coverage and tracking of the 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries can be viewed at www.kingofthehammers.com/live. Or, subscribe to the new King of the Hammers YouTube channel to receive notifications. Upgrading to a premium membership gives access to even more features including multi-view, in-car cameras, bonus feeds and more. Subscribe now at www.youtube.com/@kingofthehammers_official. To see who’s racing and find event information, check out www.kingofthehammers.com.
2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries Schedule
Friday, January 27, 2023 12 – 5 pm SRT King of the Motos Tech Inspection 6 pm SRT King of the Motos Riders Dinner, WARN VIP Tent 7 pm SRT King of the Motos Riders Meeting, WARN VIP Tent 8 pm Live Music at Hammertown Firepit
Saturday, January 28, 2023 7 am SRT King of the Motos Tech Inspection 8 – 11 am SRT King of the Motos Prologue 12 pm SRT King of the Motos Race One Riders Staging 1 – 4 pm SRT King of the Motos Race One 7 pm Live Music at Hammertown Firepit
Sunday, January 29, 2023 8 am SRT King of the Motos Race One Rider Staging, Chocolate Thunder 9 am – 3 pm SRT King of the Motos Race Two (ends at Chocolate Thunder) 5 pm SRT King of the Motos Awards in Hammertown
Thursday, February 2, 2023 12 pm Pre-running opens and course map released to registered competitors (desert loop clockwise) 12 pm KOH Outpost Featuring Sonora Brewing Company, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company, and Tiny Pony Tavern Opens 6:30 pm Caiden Brewer performing live at the Monster Energy Stage 8:30 pm Hollywood Yates live at the Monster Energy Stage 10:30 pm Matt Farris live at the Monster Energy Stage
Friday, February 3, 2023 Pre-running full course open (desert loop clockwise) 7 pm Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy Drivers Meeting, WARN VIP Tent 8 pm Live Music at the Hammertown Firepit
Saturday, February 4, 2023 Short course and desert closed to pre-running 7 am Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy Tech and Contingency, Gate 3 8 am Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy Prologue (all Desert classes: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, B1, B2, B3 and B4) 8 am Terra Crew 1400/1450 Rush (following Prologue) 8 am Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI – Land rush start on Melville Dry Lakebed (following Prologue and Terra Crew Rush) 6 pm Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy Awards 6:30 pm TBA live at the Monster Energy Stage 8:30 pm A.D.D. live at the Monster Energy Stage 10:30 pm Guttermouth live at the Monster Energy Stage
Sunday, February 5, 2023 Short course and desert closed to pre-running 8 am -12 pm Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy for Limited Trucks and Buggies Race One (B2, B3, B4, T3, T4, Terra Crew 1400 and 1450) and all classes associated with the Triple Crown, or any applicable partnering series) 12:30 pm Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy for Unlimited Trucks and Buggies Race Two (T1, T2, B1) 5 – 6 pm Registered KOH Rookie Program Mandatory Meeting, WIFI Tent in Hammertown 6 pm Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy Awards 7 pm UTV/EMC/4400/GAS Drivers Mandatory Meeting, WARN VIP Tent/broadcast over jumbotron 8 – 11 pm Great American Shortcourse Powered by OPTIMA Batteries Practice
Monday, February 6, 2023 7:30 – 10 am Great American Shortcourse Powered by OPTIMA Batteries Qualifying 8 am – 2 pm Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Qualifying at Chocolate Thunder 2 – 3 pm Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Power Hour at Chocolate Thunder 11 am – 5 pm Great American Shortcourse Powered by OPTIMA Batteries Main Events 6 pm: Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Pro Eagle & Buggy Whip at Pro Eagle Booth
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 8 am – 2 pm 4WP Every Man Challenge Qualifying at Chocolate Thunder 2 – 3 pm 4WP Every Man Challenge Power Hour at Chocolate Thunder 6 pm Holley EFI Shootout Presented by Action Sports Canopies & King Shocks
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10 am Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Tech & Contingency 8 am – 2 pm Nitto Race of Kings Qualifying at Chocolate Thunder 2 – 3 pm Nitto Race of Kings Power Hour at Chocolate Thunder 6 pm KOH Kids 170 Race on the short course 7 pm UTV/EMC/4400 Mandatory Drivers Meeting, WARN VIP Tent
Thursday, February 9, 2023 Pre-running closed, hot racecourse8 am Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Race Start 9 am King of the Hammers Overland Experience Presented by Shiftpod Opens 10 am – 4pm 4WP Every Man Challenge Tech & Contingency, Gate 3 6 pm Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Race End 6:30 pm Local Anthology live at the Monster Energy Stage 8:30 pm Spray Allen live at the Monster Energy Stage 10:30 pm Sublime with Rome live at the Monster Energy Stage
Friday, February 10, 2023 Pre-running closed, hot racecourse 8 am 4WP Every Man Challenge Race Start 10 am – 4 pm Nitto Race of Kings Tech & Contingency, Gate 3 6 pm 4WP Every Man Challenge Race End
Saturday, February 11, 2023 Pre-running closed, hot racecourse8 am Nitto Race of Kings Race Start 6:30 pm Mama Foxxy & The Whiskey Gypsy Rebels live at the Monster Energy Stage 8:30 pm Matt Farris with Jared Blake live at the Monster Energy Stage 10 pm Nitto Race of Kings Race End 10:30 pm Chayce Beckham live at the Monster Energy Stage Schedule subject to change.
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SRT King of the Motos King of the Motos returns to the 2023 schedule and this year’s race will again begin with its dramatic land-rush, then take riders through a total of 40 miles of some of the most rugged terrain found in the rocky landscape of Johnson Valley. This year also begins a significant partnership with The AMA US Hard Enduro Series. The SRT King of the Motos will be the first stop on the 2023 US Hard Enduro schedule. The two-day competition takes place Saturday, January 28th, and Sunday, 29th. Featuring top riders, the 2023 SRT King of the Motos race is known for its no-miss land rush starts. Get ready for a wild show.
Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI The Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI has become one of the most popular and exciting events of the Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries. There’s nothing like watching these near-stock VW Bugs – one of the original off-road race car types – go at it like Roman gladiators. The Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI was held on the infield track in Hammertown last year. For 2023, the Class 11 race will begin with a land rush start on Melville Dry Lake and compete on a 40-mile-long desert course with no pit stops.
Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy The Toyo Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy is in its fourth year as one of the feature events of the 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries. New for 2023 are expanded vehicle classes to now include even more buggy types and truck builds. Everything from three build levels of UTVs and basically any VW-based tube-chassis car to stock mini-trucks and 1000-horsepower unlimited race trucks that literally fly across the desert will be included for a total of 11 vehicle classes. The single-day 2023 Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy features two races starting hours apart that include Limited Trucks/Buggies (B2, B3, T3, T4, Terra Crew 1400/1450 trucks, and all classes associated with The Triple Crown) and Unlimited Trucks/Buggies (T1, T2, and B1).
Great American Shortcourse Powered by OPTIMA Batteries If you’re a fan of short-course off-road racing, then the Great American Shortcourse Powered by Optima Batteries (GAS) will be your favorite race of the 2023 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries. This is a points race for the Great American Shortcourse Series, and a special track will be built just for this event. The fast and furious fender-banging and door-slamming action will be a sight to see as the drivers go full blast over the jumps and around the corners in Hammertown.
Holley EFI Shootout Presented by Action Sports Canopies and King Shocks The 2023 Holley EFI Backdoor Shootout Presented by Action Sports Canopies and King Shocks is a fan favorite event, taking place this year at Chocolate Thunder. This is where a “gentlemanly” challenge between southern rock bouncers and western rock crawlers competing for the fastest time up an infamous rock ledge turned into one of the most popular events of the week. The night event held under lights is a spectacle not to be missed.
The Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Presented by Progressive The 2023 Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Presented by Progressive is a testament to the astonishing rise in UTV popularity. Today’s UTVs are powerful and fast, with superbly designed suspensions and excellent handling capabilities that have grabbed the attention of recreational users as well as racers. As a matter of fact, some of the hottest drivers from other vehicle classes (buggies and trucks) also compete in the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship. This is a race to keep your eyes on.
4WP Every Man Challenge The 2023 4WP Every Man Challenge (EMC) will feature four different classes of Ultra4 race vehicles. These include the 4500 Yukon Gear and Axle Modified Class, 4600 Currie Enterprises Stock Class, 4800 Branik Motorsports Legends Class, and the Ultra4 EV Class Presented by Hypercraft and Dana Spicer. The Every Man Challenge was created to offer both upcoming and experienced talent a less-expensive pathway into Ultra4 racing through these limited-build classes. EMC classes run an abbreviated Unlimited 4400 racecourse and are defined by varying levels of build. The 4500 class has a factory-style body, partial frame, mechanical steering, two shocks per corner, and a maximum 37-inch tire. The 4600 class has a factory engine, stock frame, single shock per corner, and a 35-inch maximum tire. The 4800 class must be a front engine, two-seater, with solid axles, single shock per corner, and a 37-inch maximum tire. Ultra4 EV is a spec class made up of complete crate packages from Hypercraft and Dana Incorporated. Don’t let the Limited tag fool you, some of the best racing action comes from these 4WP Every Man Challenge teams.
Nitto Race of the Kings The 2023 Nitto Race of the Kings is where this massive desert-racing event all began. It is the “OG” Ultra4 race. It’s populated with an anything-goes, whatever you can dream and build, limitless group of rock-racing vehicles now referred to as the 4400 Class. These unlimited Ultra4 race cars stretch the boundaries of what an off-road race car can be. The Nitto Race of the Kings tests the performance and strength of the 4400 cars, as well as the talent and perseverance of their drivers, against a racecourse that is widely considered to be the toughest in the world. To win the Nitto Race of the Kings, a team must possess a rock-solid race car, excellent drivers and support team members, cool heads to deal with a range of situations that may occur, and a dose of good luck. Many will try, a few will finish, but only one will be crowned “King of the Hammers.”
