2017 King of the Hammers

ROTR

Rock Crawler
Mar 9, 2011
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www.rallyontherocks.com
Since the last thread concerning KOH was dated 2016, I thought it was time to start a thread for 2017.
I wont be able to watch the live show tonight. Can somebody keep track of the UTV starting order and post it here? I wonder how many people chose to do the time qualify option on Saturday, that makes for a long time on the lakebed.
Any hints on the course for 2017?
 
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450grl

The First Lady of SXS - UTVUnderground Approved
Mar 15, 2009
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I think a lot of people will be qualifying.....we will be, since the draw wasn't so nice to us last year - lol! My guess is the course will be a mix of the 2015 course and last year's......that's my totally uneducated guess, but there it is. :D
 

JoeyD23

#utvunderground
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I can't wait for KOH this year!! I am planning on being there all week to use it as a mix of vacation and work. I can't wait to watch all of you go head to head and there is some exciting news about this years UTV race which will make it one of the most followed races ever held!

Some news I am sure will soon be announced. It sounds like Can-Am may be sponsoring the event this year which will be a surprise to many considering how poorly the Can-Am's have performed in the rocks in stock form. But like the Yamaha's which with some basic trans mods can turn into some very capable crawlers as Weller Racing proved last year, a Halo Locker mod to the front diff of the X3 should turn it into a fierce competitor at KOH.

We are anticipating Casey and maybe also Cody Currie to compete in X3's at Hammers and I am sure Can-Am has a few others up their sleeve as well. The biggest name in King Of The Hammers history, Shannon Campbell along with son Wayland and daughter Bailey have joined Team RZR as factory backed competitors and will also compete in the race. The Campbell's and Curries have a love / hate relationship when it comes to competition so to see their Ultra 4 history spill over into the UTV class will certainly make things interesting.

Team RZR racer Blake Van De Loo is coming back to defend his crown as the reigning King Of The Hammers while RZR teammate Mitch Guthrie who has won the race 6-times looks to regain his title and take REX back home to Glendora, CA! However, Guthrie will have to do it with a new co-dog as his billy goat son, Mitch Guthrie Jr. will be campaigning his very own Polaris RZR this year!

Jon Crowley and long time friend and Hammers expert, Reid Nordin will team up in a new RZR XP 1000 dubbed the "Crowley Edition". Crowley told me that Reid will drive the desert sections and he will tackle the rocks. Jon has been close many times, he loves this race and is working hard preparing to win his first title.

I can't wait to see who else will be entered into the race this year and I can't wait to get to the HEIGHTS of Hammer Town with the rest of the UTVUnderground Familia!!
 

JoeyD23

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www.ultra4racing.com/live
The 4 Wheel Parts KOH Pre-Show will be live January 10th at 6:30PM Pacific at 4 Wheel Parts in Compton. You can join us in person or online! Drivers local to the Southern California area are encouraged to join us on site, as are fans that would like to get a chance to meet some of their favorite drivers in person! The annual event is a great place to learn some clues to the race course from Dave Cole himself. We will also open up the conversation to any questions you may have at the end of the show! If you can't be there in person be sure to join us live online!
Dave and Camo will be discussing all things KOH Week tonight. If you've got questions for Dave, be sure to login to the live chat located at www.ultra4racing.com/live and we'll ask them live for all to hear!
We'll be giving away raffle prizes tonight in the Live Chat as well. You must be logged in with a name to participate!
 

Sandman365

Booze Cruzin'
May 24, 2013
219
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Escondido
Can't wait for it, its blown up so much over the years. More spectators lined up at Chocolate Thunder than Olds on a holiday weekend. Favorite trip of the season!

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
 

Team Green

Reid Nordin - UTVUnderground Approved
Jun 30, 2009
341
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Riverside, CA
www.WalkerEvansEnt.com
I listened as much as I could last night. The Saturday Qualifying course will be all new in 2017 and named the "Jeep Proving Grounds" based on the new sponsor Jeep. Dave said to expect tight turns and some jumps. He expects it to be a crowd pleaser but not a vehicle destroyer. 47 teams have chosen to qualify with defending champion Blake Van de loo first or second off of the line.

There are 72 teams entered as of last night and include several RG Artic Cat creations some new X3's and some special builds like always. There are also at least 4 women entries.

Also new will be the time limit which basically means if you started the race 10:30 behind the first car off of the line then your closing time will be 10:30 after the official course closing time.

That is as much as I remember.
 
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kmb760

Active Member
Mar 28, 2013
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Will Can-Am be releasing the new 4 seat X3(X34). I've heard the rumor that it's supposed to come with a new locking front dif
 

Brian B

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Jan 15, 2009
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I'll be out after the 425. Either Saturday night or Sunday
 

JoeyD23

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Your Guide to King of The Hammers Week

February 3rd - 11th, 2017
#KOH2017 is Coming. Are You Ready?
The 2017 Nitto King of The Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries begins next week. Hammertown opens on February 3rd, 2017. This email is full of helpful information to make the process easier for fans and spectators heading out for the 11th Annual Event!

We are offering pre-sale of Spectator tickets online. Purchasing tickets in advance will save you money and time at the gate on Boone Rd. More than 460 competitors have registered making this by far, our largest event week to date. Hammers week is now 7 full days of racing. Below is all the important information spectators need to help plan for the week.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS


KOH Week Weather Looks Great

With the last few weeks of rain here in Southern California, there have been many questions about KOH Week Weather. The extended forecast for the next two weeks shows almost no rain and fairly moderate temperatures. The lake bed should be mostly dry by the time Hammertown opens!

Follow the weather for KOH week here.


Hammertown Opens 2/3

The front gates of Hammertown open at Noon on Friday February 3rd. To get through the line quickly, it is recommended you pre-order your spectator bands. This new system works similar to just about any concert venue or sporting event. Bring your QR Code/Receipt to the gate and they will exchange it for a wrist band!

First time to Hammertown?
Please review the spectator section located here



King of the Motos - 2 Day Race

New for 2017, The King of the Motos race will begin on Saturday February 4th at 6PM and riders will race in the dark. This first leg of the race is brought to you by Baja Designs. More than 90 riders are already registered which is going to make this our largest Motos race to date.
Read Jimmy Lewis' latest Motos letter for riders



Vision X Shootout Returns to
Back Door

The Vision X Shootout presented by KMC, King, and Nitro Gear & Axle returns to back door on Mondaynight. February 6th, 2017. Top 10 drivers in this qualify into the KOH Race on Friday. All the sponsors will be doing give-a-ways online and on site throughout the shootout. Some of the prizes include, Vision X 4.5 Cannon LED, KMC $500 gift certificate, Nitro Gear Diff covers, and King Bump Stops.



Jeep Named First Official Vehicle of ULTRA4

"We couldn't think of a better fit than Jeep for our first automotive partnership." said King of The Hammers founder Dave Cole. "Jeep is synonymous with 4-wheel drive and off-road and ULTRA4 is unlimited 4-wheel drive racing."
Read the full announcement here



Can-Am official UTV & sponsor of Can-Am KOH UTV Race
Presented by RCV

We have more than 70 UTVs already registered for the UTV race to be held on Wednesday February 8th, 2017. Qualifying for UTVs will take place on Saturday February 4th at 1PM. Wednesday's race starts at 8AM.

Read the full release here



Smittybilt Every Man Challenge Expected to be Largest KOH Week Race

127 drivers are registered for the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge. This will be the 6th year for this race. Drivers were given the option to qualify and the 4600 Pro Comp Stock class qualify on Saturday, the 4500 Rubicon Express Modified Class, and the 4800 G2 Legends Class qualify on Tuesday. Starting order for Thursday February 9th, 2017 will be determined by the average of the 5 fastest qualifiers. Expect to see some exciting qualifying on the Jeep Proving Grounds on Tuesday February 6th.
See when your favorite drivers are qualifying



Transamerican Group Offering $15,000 Contingency Fund

The TMG family of companies that include Smittybilt, Pro Comp, Rubicon Express, Poison Spyder and G2 Axle & Gear have combined forces to sponsor an aggressive contingency package for competitors in all classes of the 2017 Smittybilt Every Man Challenge, offering up to $15,000 in total contingency funds.

Read all the details here:



11th Annual Nitto Tire King of The Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries

The race that started it all. More than 110 drivers are already qualified and registered to race. 10 more may earn a spot through the Vision X Shootout and another 5 will gain entry through LCQ on Tuesday. 4400 drivers will be qualifying throughout the day on Tuesday with Power Hour from 4PM to 5PM. The remainder of 4400 qualifying will take place on Wednesday in the afternoon. Qualifying will end with another 15 drivers in Power Hour on Wednesday from 4-5PM. Will one of our two-time Kings 3-peat or will we have a new King crowned for the first time since 2013?



The KOH Experience Returns on Saturday

Genright is once again hosting The KOH Experience for off road fans on Saturday February 11th, at 10AM. It is a once in a lifetime chance to experience the Hammers like never before. This journey will allow you to drive your vehicle on one of the most brutal race courses ever created with several ULTRA4 Drivers, including Tony Pellegrino, Tom Wayes and Jeremy Hammer.
This is a great experience for anyone who has taken their Jeep Off Road before!

Go here to sign up on Genright's site

 

JoeyD23

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2017 KING OF THE HAMMERS PREVIEW


The King Of The Hammers is one of the biggest, best and most unique off-road races in the world and it is set to return this week, February 3rd-11th in Johnson Valley, CA. This will be our 8th year in a row attending this awesome spectacle some call the “Burning Man” of off-road. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts, racers, teams, companies and fans attend from around the world making the King Of The Hammers one of the years most exciting racing events. As we prepare for our own departure to #KOH2017, we wanted to bring you some information on the event. All week long we will bring you stories and information surrounding the King Of The Hammers and we will continue our coverage on through the UTV KOH race which takes place on Wednesday February 8th!

This year KOH is offering pre-sale of Spectator tickets online. Purchasing tickets in advance will save you money and time at the gate on Boone Rd. More than 460 competitors have registered making this by far, the largest event week to date. Hammers week is now 7 full days of racing. The front gates of Hammertown open at Noon on Friday February 3rd. To get through the line quickly, it is recommended you pre-order your spectator bands. This new system works similar to just about any concert venue or sporting event. Bring your QR Code/Receipt to the gate and they will exchange it for a wrist band!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Weather at KOH can be everything from warm, dry & dusty to cold & wet! You must be prepared and this extended forecast looks to show that attendees will be in for some moderate temps with some extremely cold evenings! Make sure your propane tanks are full, batteries are charged and you have lots of firewood!

King Of The Hammers WEATHER


If this is your first time to Hammertown then take a moment to review the information laid out in the link below. It will be helpful for everything from directions to camping. Of course if you can’t find what you need you can always contact Ultra 4 directly but it may already be too late! So jump into our KOH forum thread by CLICKING HERE and post your questions there!

First time to Hammertown? Click the link below and make sure to read up and make notes!

FULL KOH SPECTATOR / RACER INFORMATION



King of the Motos – 2 Day Race

New for 2017, The King of the Motos race will begin on Saturday February 4th at 6PM and riders will race in the dark. This first leg of the race is brought to you by Baja Designs. More than 90 riders are already registered which is going to make this our largest Motos race to date.

Read Jimmy Lewis’ latest Motos letter for riders



Vision X Shootout Returns to Back Door

The Vision X Shootout presented by KMC, King, and Nitro Gear & Axle returns to back door on Monday night. February 6th, 2017. Top 10 drivers in this qualify into the KOH Race on Friday. All the sponsors will be doing give-a-ways online and on site throughout the shootout. Some of the prizes include, Vision X 4.5 Cannon LED, KMC $500 gift certificate, Nitro Gear Diff covers, and King Bump Stops.



Can-Am KOH UTV Race Presented by RCV Performance Products

More than 70 UTVs have already registered for the UTV race to be held on Wednesday February 8th, 2017. Qualifying for UTVs will take place on Saturday February 4th at 1PM. Wednesday’s race starts at 8AM. We are still awaiting details on course and mileage but heres what we do know! 6-Time UTV KOH winner, Mitch Guthrie returns without the help of his longtime co-dog and son, Mitch Guthrie Jr. “Mitchie” will take on the 2017 event as a teammate of his dads, piloting his own Factory Polaris RZR machine in hopes of capturing his first KOH win as a driver!

2016 King, Blake Van De Loo, also returns to KOH to defend his title and looks to repeat behind the wheel of a brand new Factory Polaris RZR machine. Blake has been preparing for this race for months and his story will be premiered this week in a “Race Life” piece right here on UTVUnderground.com.

True KOH royalty is joining the UTV ranks this year. Shannon, Wayland and Bailey Campbell are competing as part of the Factory Polaris RZR effort behind the wheel of brand new 2017 Polaris RZR XP Turbo’s. Each has a new machine which adds a lot of competition and excitement to this years event. UTVUnderground.com was proud to play a role in attracting the Campbell’s to this years UTV race and look forward to watching them compete in this years UTV race.

Can-Am has taken on title sponsorship of this years UTV race and will also field some of their own factory racers including former Factory Kawasaki driver Casey Currie. Casey has been prepping what looks to be many new Maverick X3’s including one for brother Cody who will also be competing once again in the UTV race.

Yamaha is back with Jason Weller who put on a fantastic performance last year in his Yamaha YXZ1000R. This year they will be joined by fellow Yamaha factory racer Dustin Nelson who will also compete in his own YXZ.

Arctic Cat is back once again with Robby Gordon who will likely pilot one of his new SpeedCat machines.

Many other UTV KOH race veterans such as Branden Sims, Jon Crowley, John Duckworth, Chris Barnett, and Sara Price will also return for this years epic battle!!

UTV Entries (NOT COMPLETE)
WESLEY GRYNER 7 UTV
LANSE CHOURNOS 1929 UTV
DUSTIN NELSON 994 UTV
ERIK MILLER 21 UTV
AUSTIN WEILAND 4927 UTV
CRAIG HONNOLL 1908 UTV
CASEY SCHERER 79 UTV
PAUL WADLINGTON 1948 UTV
DAVID MIZE 5585 UTV
CLINT SCRUGGS 727 UTV
CONNOR FULTS 4906 UTV
RICKY FARMER 4959 UTV
BLAKE VAN DE LOO 1919 UTV
BRENT ZIMMERMAN UTV
AARON CLARK 1002 UTV
GARISON CALLAWAY 1914 UTV
CHRIS ARMSTRONG 706 UTV
RYAN BERGAMINI 1933 UTV
STEVE SCHNEIDER 933 UTV
BAILEY CAMPBELL 35 UTV
CHRIS BARNETT 1961 UTV
KYLE ANDERSON UTV
PHIL CAGLIERO 21 UTV
RON SCHAEFER 4911 UTV
MATTHEW WILSON 1903 UTV
BRANDEN SIMS 1913 UTV
CHAD HUGHES 1295 UTV
SARA PRICE 123 UTV
TONY COSTA 1904 UTV
JAMI PELLEGRINO 485 UTV
JESSE JOHNSON 1947 UTV
ROSANNA DUPRAU 808 UTV
PAULY HART 1911 UTV
COLTIN HOBACK 7075 UTV
GEORGE LISENBERY 1966 UTV
MITCH GUTHRIE 6 UTV
CODY CURRIE UTV
LABRONN OSBORNE 1609 UTV
JASON WELLER 1910 UTV
DUSTIN NELSON 994 UTV
ERIK MILLER 21 UTV
WESLEY GRYNER 7 UTV
LANSE CHOURNOS 1929 UTV
AUSTIN WEILAND 4927 UTV
CRAIG HONNOLL 1908 UTV
CASEY SCHERER 79 UTV
DAVID MIZE 5585 UTV
PAUL WADLINGTON 1948 UTV
ALAN CLARK UTV
DANIEL PARKER 01 UTV
AARON BURTON 191 UTV
CHASE BRIDGMON 1975 UTV
JON CROWLEY 1965 UTV
JEFF PALHEGYI UTV
RICK MARKLEY 777 UTV
SVEN ELLSTROM 16 UTV
DARIAN GOMEZ 90 UTV
GIULIA MARONI 4986 UTV



Smittybilt Every Man Challenge Expected to be Largest KOH Week Race

127 drivers are registered for the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge. This will be the 6th year for this race. Drivers were given the option to qualify and the 4600 Pro Comp Stock class qualify on Saturday, the 4500 Rubicon Express Modified Class, and the 4800 G2 Legends Class qualify on Tuesday. Starting order for Thursday February 9th, 2017 will be determined by the average of the 5 fastest qualifiers. Expect to see some exciting qualifying on the Jeep Proving Grounds on Tuesday February 6th.

See when your favorite drivers are qualifying



11th Annual Nitto Tire King of The Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries

The race that started it all. More than 110 drivers are already qualified and registered to race. 10 more may earn a spot through the Vision X Shootout and another 5 will gain entry through LCQ on Tuesday. 4400 drivers will be qualifying throughout the day on Tuesday with Power Hour from 4PM to 5PM. The remainder of 4400 qualifying will take place on Wednesday in the afternoon. Qualifying will end with another 15 drivers in Power Hour on Wednesday from 4-5PM. Will one of the two-time Kings 3-peat or will we have a new King crowned for the first time since 2013?



Stay tuned to UTVUnderground.com all this week and through next weeks UTV KOH race for non-stop coverage and race updates with COVERAGE PROVIDED BY CageWRX! Huge thank you to the team at CageWRX for sponsoring our KOH coverage for 2017!!
 

JoeyD23

#utvunderground
Jan 9, 2009
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2017 KOH Week: Johnson Valley, CA
This is a tentative schedule and subject to change

2017 KOH Week Schedule by Day

Friday 2/3 – Hammertown Opens
Saturday 2/4 – UTV and 4600 Qualifying/King of The Motos Part 1
Sunday 2/5- King of The Motos Parts 2 and 3
Monday 2/6 – Vision X Shootout Presented by King Shocks
Tuesday 2/7 – Qualifying – 4500, 4800 and 4400
Wednesday 2/8 – Can Am KOH UTV Race Presented by RCV & Qualifying (4400 Only)
Thursday 2/9 – Smittybilt Every Man Challenge
Friday 2/10- Nitto King of The Hammers Powered by Optima
Saturday 2/11 – KOH The Experience/ Axial R/C Trail Run

2017 KOH Week Schedule

Friday February 3rd, 2017
o 9:00 AM Registration Opens – Means Dry Lake Bed
o 9:00 AM Pre-Running Opens
o 9:00 AM Tech Opens – All new cars need to be teched by close of tech on Monday

Saturday February 4th, 2017
o Continue Registration and Pre-Running
o 8:00 AM 4600 and UTV Qualifying Driver Meeting
o 9:00 AM 4600 and UTV Qualifying
o 3:30 Registration Closes
o 4:00 PM Mandatory King of the Motos Riders Meeting – All Motos Riders must be checked in
o 6:00 PM King of the Motos Part 1

Sunday February 5th, 2017
o 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM King of the Motos
o 5:00 PM Event Kickoff/Party – KOM Awards Ceremony

Monday February 6th, 2017
o Pre-Running Day
o 9:00 AM Shootout Meeting –
o 12:00 PM Vendor Show opens
o 4:00 PM Mandatory Drivers meeting for Qualifying – 4500 4800 4400
o 6:00 PM Vision X Shootout Presented by KMC

Tuesday February 7th, 2017
o 8:00 AM Start of Qualifying for limited classes and any 4400s
o 12:00 – 6:00 PM UTV Tech and Contingency EMC may tech as well
o 12:00 – 8:00 PM Vendor Hours in Hammertown
o 3:45 PM Awards Ceremony for Shootout Participants before Power Hour
o 5:00 PM Close of Day 1 of Qualifying
o 6:00 PM Mandatory drivers meeting for all KOH UTV racers
o 6:00 PM Outlaw KOH R/C Rock Racing at Axial Booth (for spectator handout only)
o 7:00 PM KOH University – Marketing, Safety, Radio Classes provided by Wasserman, PCI, Mastercraft, Warn Winch

Wednesday February 8th, 2017
o 8:00 AM Start of Can-AM KOH UTV Race Presented by RCV
o 9:30 AM Start of Day 2 of Qualifying
o 12:00 – 6:00 PM EMC Tech and Contingency
o 12:00 – 8:00 PM Vendor Hours in Hammertown
o 4:00 PM End of KOH UTV Race
o 5:00 PM End of Qualifying
o 6:00 PM Mandatory Drivers meeting for Smittybilt Every Man Challenge Race
o 6:00 PM Outlaw KOH R/C Rock Racing at Axial Booth (for spectator handout only)
o 7:00 PM Volunteer Meeting
o 8:00 PM Vendor Meet and Greet

Thursday February 9th, 2017
o 8:00 AM Start of Smittybilt Every Man Challenge Race
o 6:00 PM Close of EMC Race
o 12:00 – 7:00 PM KOH Tech and Contingency in Hammertown
o 12:00 – 8:00 PM Vendor Hours in Hammertown
o 6:00 PM Raceline Volunteer Dinner presented by Extreme Wheelers 4 Christ
o 6:00 PM Outlaw KOH R/C Rock Racing at Axial Booth (for spectator handout only)
o 7:00 PM Mandatory Drivers meeting for Nitto King of the Hammers
o 8:00 PM Volunteer Staffing meeting

Friday February 10th, 2017
o 6:00 AM Driver Line Up 2017 Nitto King of the Hammers Powered by Optima
o 8:00 AM Start of the 2017 Nitto King of the Hammers Powered by Optima
o 10:00 PM Close of the 2017 Nitto King of the Hammers by Optima

Saturday February 11th, 2017
o 9:00 AM Awards Ceremony UTV – KOH – EMC
o 10:00 AM KOH The Experience
o Axial R/C Trail Run
 

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