King of the Hammers: A Gritty Showdown in the Desert
This week, the vibrant and exhilarating world of off-road racing converges in Johnson Valley, California, for the highly anticipated Optima King of the Hammers event presented by Ford Performance. As the sun beats down on the dry lake bed, tens of thousands of off-road enthusiasts from near and far make their way to this rugged terrain, eager to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle that is King of the Hammers.
The King of the Hammers event is not just a race; it’s a way of life for those who live and breathe off-road racing. From the adrenaline-pumping 24-hour energy that permeates the air to the legendary “Hammertown” hub that serves as the heart of the event, King of the Hammers is a pilgrimage that no true off-road fanatic can afford to miss.
Revving Up for the Desert Challenge
The action kicks into high gear this weekend as off-road racers gear up for the traditional desert racing segment of the event. With vast stretches of open desert terrain interspersed with sandy sections and treacherous bumps, competitors are in for a wild ride as they navigate the challenging course.
On Saturday, the spotlight shines on the UTV open category, featuring a lineup of top-notch racers including seasoned veterans and rising stars. From the factory Polaris team to recent Dakar Rally UTV category winner Brock Heger, the competition promises to be fierce. As drivers rev up their engines and prepare to tackle the grueling 64.9-mile course known as the “Red Lap,” the stage is set for an action-packed day of racing.
The Race of Kings: A Battle of Titans
As the weekend unfolds, the focus shifts to the unlimited desert categories, where top-tier racers in Class 1 cars and Trophy-Truck Spec machines will vie for victory. With former Baja 1000 champions and off-road legends like Luke McMillin, Cameron Steele, and Apdaly Lopez in the mix, the competition is sure to be intense.
As the week progresses, qualifying sessions for specialized KOH machines and youth classes set the stage for the ultimate showdown on Thursday—the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship race. Featuring a diverse lineup of drivers and machines, this race promises high-octane action and adrenaline-fueled excitement for fans and competitors alike.
The grand finale comes on Saturday with the Race of Kings, where Class 4400 unlimited machines take center stage in a battle of epic proportions. With defending champion JP Gomez facing off against a formidable field of competitors, including past winners and seasoned veterans, the race promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable week of off-road racing.
As the dust settles and the engines roar to life, off-road racing enthusiasts around the world can tune in to the live coverage on KOH’s YouTube channel, soaking in every heart-pounding moment of the action. With bragging rights and glory on the line, King of the Hammers offers a unique and exhilarating experience for fans of all ages.
So mark your calendars, rev up your engines, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime at King of the Hammers—the ultimate off-road racing showdown that promises to push the limits of speed, skill, and adrenaline.
KOH official livestream link:
https://www.youtube.com/@kingofthehammers_official
Optima Battery King of the Hammers Schedule (all times Pacific)
Friday, Jan. 31
• Desert prerunning (all day)
• Limited class Desert qualifying (10:00am)Â
Saturday, Feb. 1
• Unlimited class Desert qualifying (8:00am)Â
• Limited class Desert Race start (10:00am)
• Class 11 race (4:00 pm)Â
Sunday, Feb. 2
• Unlimited class Desert Race start (9:00am)
Monday, Feb. 3
• XRock Extreme Rock Crawling (10:00am-4:00pm)
• UTV Hammers Championship qualifying (10:00am-4:00pm)Â
Tuesday, Feb. 4
• Every Man Challenge class qualifying (10am-4:00pm)Â
• KOH Kids 170 raceÂ
Wednesday, Feb. 5
• Race of Kings qualifying (10am-4:00pm)Â
• UTV Hammers Championship tech and contingency (10:00am-5:00pm)
• Race of Kings Power Hour (2:00pm-3:00pm)
Thursday, Feb. 6
• UTV Hammers Championship Race start (8:00am)
• Every Man Challenge tech and contingency (10:00am-4:00pm)
Friday, Feb. 7
• Every Man Challenge Race start (8:00am)Â
• Race of Kings tech and contingency (10:00am-5:00pm)Â
Saturday, Feb. 8
• Race of Kings race start (8:00am)
