HAMMERTOWN, Calif. – The gates have opened on the annual Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries.
What started as a beer bet amongst a dozen friends in 2007 is now one of the biggest off-road events on the planet and one of the largest events held on public lands in the United States. For those who can’t make the trek to Hammertown, fans can join the extended community of more than three million people by following the live coverage online and participating in live chats all week long.
Tens of thousands of fans and more than 500 teams gather on Means Dry Lake in the Southern California desert each year for eight days of intense racing and festivities on and around the punishing rock trails known as The Hammers. The names are unforgettable including Sledgehammer, Wrecking Ball, Full of Hate and Hell To Pay. Even more unforgettable are the struggles and triumphs these teams experience in the attempt to tackle the infamous trails and reach the finish line.
Offering over a week’s worth of competition, the humble beginning of King of the Hammers was just one race through the desert and rocks of Johnson Valley. Now, the races include off-road’s biggest names in desert trucks, UTVs, stock vehicles and the unlimited Ultra4 cars (4400). Kicking off the week is the Toyo Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy featuring desert race trucks. The grand finale of King of the Hammers week is the Nitto Race of Kings on Saturday, Feb. 5 – the race that started it all. For years the 4400 unlimited race was referred to as King of the Hammers, but as this event has grown to encompass more than just that one race, it deserved its own title.
The Nitto Race of Kings pits the top, pre-qualified drivers in unlimited vehicles against each other on the same combination of desert terrain and rockcrawling trails several of the other races earlier in the week, but then ups the ante with a third lap comprised of even more difficult terrain. Many try, but few succeed, with a finish rate of less than 50 percent being common in the past. Many of the vehicles are custom built by the drivers themselves, who are just as talented as fabricators, engineers, and welders as they are as drivers and co-drivers. Platforms include single seat and two seat, front engine and rear engine, solid axles and independent suspension, all vying against each other for victory.
Hammertown is the makeshift city built to support the races and fans – complete with street names, more than 150 vendors, race pits, Jumbotrons for live viewing from the course, and live music at night. King of the Hammers has become a destination for gearheads from around the globe, with many spectators bringing their own UTVs and rockcrawling buggies to Johnson Valley to actively recreate between races.
Watch the live coverage of Progressive King of the Hammers Presented by OPTIMA Batteries at ultra4racing.com/live.
SPEED SPORT will be on hand beginning Jan. 30 to present LIVE From coverage of the King of the Hammers. Click here for more information.
SPEED SPORT’s broadcast coverage begins Wednesday with a live pre-show beginning at 7 p.m. PT. Click here to watch.
2022 Progressive King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries Race Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 29-30 – Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Presented by Monster Energy
Saturday, Jan. 29 – Baja Jerky Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPi
Monday, Jan. 29 – Wednesday, February 2nd – Qualifying
Monday, Jan. 31 – Holley EFi Shootout Presented by King Shocks & Action Sports Canopies
Tuesday, Feb. 1 – Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Pro Eagle and Buggy Whips
Thursday, Feb. 3 – Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship Presented by Progressive Insurance
Friday, Feb. 4 – 4WP Every Man Challenge
Saturday, Feb. 5 – Nitto Race of Kings Powered by OPTIMA Batteries