By Thom Kingston on 2023-01-31T08:00:00-07:00 | King of the Hammers

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.”

 By Thom Kingston on 2022-11-29T08:00:00-07:00 | Ultra4

Dave installs two sets of Jeep JL Adapters in this latest episode on Redneck Garage (about 9 minutes in). This is not a sponsored placement, although I’ll be the first to admit I love this channel. Dave is honest, down to earth, and tells it as he sees it. That always works for us, because we strive to make the best products on the planet. Thank you Dave for the “shout out”, keep up the good work!

 By Thom Kingston on 2022-11-24T08:00:00-07:00 | Wheel Spacers

So… about that transitory inflation. While we can’t fix rising prices everywhere, we can at least bring back our biggest holiday event. This year’s Black Friday sale kicks off Thursday and runs thru Monday, that’s 11/24 – 11/28. Simply enter coupon code FRIDAY10 at checkout and grab yourself 10% off and free FedEx Home Delivery shipping on all Wheel Spacer Kits.

This year’s coupon code works for all Outlet Store wheel spacers as well. Every bit helps! Hope you enjoy the Black Friday sale and have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!

 By Thom Kingston on 2022-11-03T08:00:00-06:00 | Ultra4

It’s fun to see cars on display, but to see them in action takes it to another level! The RTR Fun-Having Team had a hard time just letting their vehicles sit on display at SEMA, so they took them out for some drifting & jumping showstopping action. Enjoy a few photos for now, if you’re in the Las Vegas area be sure to swing by in person. Photo credit goes to the RTR Team.

 By Thom Kingston on 2022-11-01T12:55:29-06:00 | Ultra4

For a few years now, we’ve been showing off the insanely capable 4600 Bronco built, and Spider 9 powered Ultra4 vehicles. If you were thinking to yourself, “What do I have to do to get one of these?” your question has been answered. RTR Vehicles and the Fun-Haver Off-Road team is currently offering this build package for public sale, and for those making the trip to SEMA this year you can see one in person at the PROJECT X booth #61211 on Tuesday (11/1). Full press release from the RTR Team is below.

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 – With the demand for vehicles with extreme capability higher than ever, RTR Vehicles and the Fun-Haver Off-Road team introduces the Bronco Fun-Runner LT (Long Travel). With 18-inches of FOX controlled suspension travel, Ultra4-proven portal axles, 42-inch tires and more, comes a Bronco capable of conquering King of the Hammers like terrain that will become available for purchase by consumers. Sign up at funhaver.com/funrunner-lt for more information and to be kept in the loop. The Bronco Fun-Runner LT debuts at the PROJECT X booth #61211 9:00am Tuesday, 11/1 at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Improving on the Fun-Runner Bronco that debuted at Ford’s SEMA display in 2021—the result of a secret vehicle program developed by the Fun-Haver Off-Road team of Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy alongside Ford Performance. The covert operation was to find the limits of the new Ford Bronco by putting 6th gen Bronco chassis under the body of a Ford Ranger prior to the 6th generation Bronco being released. The Bronco Fun-Runner adds a host of additional parts that make it capable of tackling terrain only dreamed of by the most extreme off-road vehicles, in a road-friendly package.

The championship-winning Fun-Haver Off-Road team have been working on the development of the Bronco LT all year through dreaming and winning King of the Hammers in the 4600 class and ultimately earning the Ultra4 USA East Coast Championship.

“We wanted to make this accessible for the 1-percent that dream like Loren and I,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr. The Fun-Runner LT is capable of up to 42-inch tires thanks to a set of the same billet portals that are used in Fun-Haver Off-Road and Ford Performance’s 4600 race Bronco. The Bronco LT is an optional upgrade to the standard Fun-Runner following additional testing and final validation. All the Fun-Haver Off-Road team’s developed parts are expected to be sold and distributed through PROJECT X Off-Road starting Q1 2023. And of course, all the RTR Vehicles’ products are available now if you can catch them while they are in stock as demand has been extremely high!

QUOTE FROM VAUGHN: “We are developing these products and packages for hardcore off-roaders like us! We have been lucky enough to have spent a ton of time with the amazing new Bronco over the past few years and I am very excited we can share the resulting products and packages that RTR and Fun-Haver Off -Road will be offering to the market!”

QUOTE FROM LOREN: “The Fun-Runner Bronco LT is everything we have been dreaming of doing to a 6th-gen Bronco since day 1!” It’s the perfect mix of modern aggressive design RTR is known and loved for paired with the hardcore ruggedness Fun-Haver Off-Road is inspired by! It’s a well-mannered street driven vehicle that can handle any off-road adventure you can throw at it.”

One of the many additions that is noticed immediately on the Bronco Badlands donor vehicle is the and stylish and functional Fun-Haver exterior parts such as the uniquely styled Fun-Haver fiberglass wide fenders, modular front bumpers with integrated PROJECT X PL.30 lights and high clearance rear bumper as well as weld-on Rock sliders. The RTR grille with integrated lighting and the RTR spare tire carrier were added for some modern aggressive styling. The plug and play RTR light bar with five PROJECT X FF.70 lights were added to light up the night.

Carrying the fun inside, RECARO Cross Sportster ORV seats that we’re developed by RECARO and the Fun-Haver Off-Road team to give all four passengers next level safety containment with game changing comfort.

The Fun-Haver Off-Road team has been working very closely with its partners at PROJECT X to change the game as we know it in the off-road market with integrated and functional upgrades. In addition to the lighting products previously mentioned, the Fun-Runner LT is equipped with the groundbreaking Project X “GHOST BOX,” which makes installing accessories easier than ever with minimal wiring runs and relays thanks to next-generation wireless technology for a seamless accessory controlled ecosystem. The Ghost Box can be controlled via a phone app or with an in-cabin push button panel.

Ready to fly, the Bronco Fun-Runner LT builds upon learnings from wheeling the most demanding terrain, to racing and winning in the Ultra4 series into this Bronco Fun-Runner LT. Featuring Fun-Haver long-travel suspension that is equipped with race-winning 74 Weld portals, Fun-Haver spec FOX Performance Elite 2.5 coilovers with 16-inches of travel up front and FOX Performance 3.0 bypasses in the rear with 18-inches of travel while equipped with King of the Hammers bred Nitto Tire 42-inch Trail Grapplers.

Please Note: While some part delays would not allow install prior to the debut, the Fun-Haver Off-Road Team has developed a hydraulic steering solution to handle the massive loads from tires larger than 35-inches, which will be seen during the Fun-Having that is sure to happen from behind the wheel!

Visit funhaver.com/funrunner-lt to stay in the loop on the Fun-Runner Bronco LT and the complete line of Fun-Haver Offroad developed parts that will be sold through PROJECT X available Q1 2023. Complete specs below, and you can see the Bronco Fun-Runner XLT in person at the PROJECT X booth 61211 West Hall.