The Optima King of the Hammers presented by Ford Performance has been a thrilling rollercoaster of agony and victory this week in California’s Johnson Valley. As the main events approach, drivers and machines are gearing up to put on a show for what is expected to be a record-sized crowd.
Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Race:
Today, the spotlight shines on the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship race, where some of the sport’s finest talent will compete. The competition is fierce, with six different classes of Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki side-by-sides vying for the top spot. In a nail-biting qualifying round, Ronnie Anderson of Polaris narrowly edged out Kyle Chaney’s Can-Am for pole position by a mere 0.194 seconds. The top five qualifiers set the stage for an intense showdown, with Brock Heger (Polaris), CJ Greaves (Polaris), and Phil Blurton (Can-Am) rounding out the top positions. The anticipation is high as 100 UTVs prepare to hit the track.
Yokohama Tire Every Man Challenge Race:
Tomorrow, the action continues with the Yokohama Tire Every Man Challenge race, designed to showcase off-road and 4×4 enthusiasts in production-based machines. This fan-favorite event features three classes, including race cars based on Ford, Jeep, Dodge, Chevy, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Mahindra, and Toyota. It promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination as competitors battle it out for glory.
Race of Kings Finale:
The weekend culminates on Saturday with the Race of Kings, the grand finale of the King of the Hammers extravaganza. Qualifying rounds have already set the stage for an epic showdown, with Paul Wolff setting the pace in his Unlimited car. The factory Ford Bronco RTR machines of Loren Healey and Vaughn Gittin Jr. are hot on his heels, along with Kyle Chaney’s Can-Am and Bill Mcgibbon. With 99 entries slated for the finale, the competition is sure to be fierce.
While the main events promise top-tier competition, the earlier races of the week have not disappointed. From the Hammers Desert Race to the Desert Challenge, racers have pushed themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory. Chris Polvoorde’s dominant performance in the King of the Hammers Desert Race showcased the skill and determination required to conquer the rugged terrain. His partnership with co-driver Mike Kim proved to be a winning formula, navigating the treacherous course with precision and speed.
In a surprising turn of events, Kyle Jergensen stunned the field with his performance in the Trophy-Truck Spec category, showcasing the power of his two-wheel-drive truck against fierce competition. Meanwhile, Polaris factory phenom Brock Heger continued his winning streak, adding another victory to his impressive record in the UTV Open class.
The PRP Seat Class Showdown presented by EMPI saw Blake Wilkey once again shine, demonstrating his mastery behind the wheel of his vintage stock VW sedan. His success in this class has captured the hearts of fans and inspired a renewed interest in the competition.
As the King of the Hammers races draw to a close, the excitement and adrenaline of the week’s events linger in the air. Whether it’s the roar of engines, the thrill of victory, or the camaraderie among competitors, the spirit of off-road racing is alive and well in Johnson Valley. Stay tuned for complete coverage and information on all the week’s remaining races at www.kingofthehammers.com.
