HAMMERTOWN, Calif. – Raul Gomez emerged as the new kingpin of the King of the Hammers following his victory in Saturday’s Nitto Race of Kings.
The Nitto Race of Kings featured the Unlimited 4400 racers who would battle for the right to be called the King of the King of the Hammers.Â
Brian Crofts was the top qualifier, followed closely by three-time King Jason Scherer. Crofts was looking for his first crown. Defending winner Randy Slawson, a three-time race winner, was also looking for another crown for his collection. Other big names and fan favorites included Shannon Campbell and Loren Healy, both of whom were multi-time Race of Kings winners.
VIDEO: The Start Of The Nitto Race Of Kings
When the green flag waved, Scherer grabbed the early lead. Campbell would make a major navigation error, skipping a bypass section. The error cost Campbell valuable time. As the course wound its way into the rock sections, Scherer rolled over and Raul Gomez took the lead. Gomez finished second last year and was looking for redemption.
As the miles ticked away, Gomez was getting closer to the finish line in Hammertown. It wasn’t long before a hungry Gomez, with the finish line in sight, came flying into Hammertown at high speed. After several tense minutes, Scherer crossed the finish line, unofficially in second.
Both drivers waited for the official word on finishing positions. It wasn’t long before King of the Hammers founder Dave Cole personally came up to Gomez and officially informed he that he had won the Race of Kings and was crowned the King of the Hammers for the first time in his career.
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