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Photography: Boyd Jaynes Maybe we are dating ourselves a bit, but we remember back when King Of The Hammers was nothing more than a couple dozen rock crawlers bouncing their way across the desert and over a bunch of rocks. What started out mostly as a group of friends in a loosely organized race has undergone a radical transformation. Now, King Of The Hammers is filled to capacity with way over a 100 racecars trying to take on the jagged rocks and rough desert terrain of Johnson Valley, California. Also multiplying at a seemingly unstoppable rate is the amount of spectators. The dry lakebed now is filled with campers, RVs and trailers as Hammertown gets bigger every year. Even the race itself has morphed into something bigger. Instead of a single day, the racing now takes place over a full week and attracts everything from UTVs to Trophy Trucks. Like everything else at King Of The Hammers, the vehicles of Ultra4 have also evolved. No longer are they converted rock crawlers, but full-tilt racecars capable of gobbling up gnarly desert sections and crawling over massive rocks. They are truly unique hybrids that blend technology from both Trophy Trucks and dedicated rock rigs to create vehicles that are capable of conquering one of the toughest races on the planets. While almost everything about King Of The Hammers has changed, one thing has not. It has always been an amazing event to watch and take part in. Seeing the drama and gnarly action of KOH is definitely something worth experiencing. However, if you couldn't make it out to the lakebed this year don't worry. We were out there and came back with some amazing images. Without further babbling we bring you our favorite photos from the 2019 King Of The Hammers.  Back-To-Back And Three-peat
Jason Scherer joined the very elite group of drivers that have won King Of The Hammers three times currently only existing of himself and Shannon Campbell. However, he set himself apart by being the only driver to claim back-t0-back wins at KOH taking the crown last year as well. Scherer was pressured by other drivers early on, but had a near perfect race to stay out front.  In PursuitErik Miller was also gunning for a three-peat having won King Of The Hammers in 2016 and 2012. He kept the pressure on Scherer all day long chasing him through the rocks. Ultimately, Miller would cross the finish line in second place just five minutes behind Scherer.  Staying Frosty Competitors in the 4WP Every Man Challenge faced frigid temperatures and a dusting of snow off the start of the race. No, it wasn't the huge amounts of snow and sub-zero conditions that hit much of country, but temperatures in the mid 20s and no windshields left many racers shivering in their race seats.  The Taste Of Victory The Trophy Trucks rolled out to Johnson Valley for the first time for the premier Toyo Tire Desert Invitational. They, combined with the rough course, provided plenty of entertainment for the hordes of spectators. Luke McMillin was able to put the hammer down and stay in front of the pack for a first place finish and a cool $100,000.  The City In The Desert Every year Hammertown grows out of the nothingness that is a dry lakebed and gets bigger. This year was no exception and tens of thousands of campers and spectators flocked to the area to take in the action.  Full Send If there is one guy you can count on to huck his Trophy Truck it is BJ Baldwin. He didn't disappoint catching big air while going all out at the Toyo Tire Desert Invitational.  All Shapes And Sizes Half of the fun of King Of The Hammers is just checking out all of the unique vehicles roaming around the lakebed. No matter the shape or size, chances are you will see it at KOH.  Old School Is Cool Just like the vehicles on the lakebed come in all shapes and sizes, so do the race cars. Sam Collins and his sweet 1949 Ford truck is definitely one of the more unique Ultra4 racers.  How Sweet It Is Jason Scherer has always been fast in his push to take the crown at King Of The Hammers. In the past, he has come extremely close to victory multiple times only to see his chances fade way. He was understandably a bit teary-eyed at the finish line upon capturing his third win.  Still A Threat The only other person to win King Of The Hammers three times is Shannon Campbell. While his kids have become increasingly fast, Shannon proved his is still a threat taking third at the 2019 King Of The Hammers.  Satisfaction Brad and Roger Lovell have been racing their venerable Ford Ranger at King Of The Hammers for years. The vehicle probably knows its own way around KOH by now, but the brothers were able to guide it to a second place finish in the 4WP Every Man Challenge race.  Wayes Fast Tom Wayes might not be a household name to some, but those who follow King Of The Hammers know that he is always in the hunt for a win. He proved his speed again this year coming in just outside of a podium finish in the fifth spot.  To The Finish Just crossing the finish line is a huge achievement as only 29 out of 111 competitors would see the checkered flag within the 14-hour time limit this year. Brent Goegebuer has been searching for speed with a newer car and was finally able to take it across the finish in the 19th spot.  Out Front Finishing in front of the Lovell brothers was another long-time racer, Casey Gilbert. He was able to take the 4WP Every Man Challenge win with almost 30 minutes to spare. |
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