2016 King Of The Hammers Race Week Schedule
Want to make sure you don’t miss all of the 2016 King of the Hammers action? Here’s a breakdown of the week’s events. Driving Line will be there all week documenting the action, so be sure to check back for live updates from the event.
Sunday, Jan. 31- KLiM King of the Motos
Just as KOH mixes rockcrawlers and desert racers, King of the Motos has entrants from motocross, trials, and enduro disciplines competing against each other on one course. In 2015 the race was divided into a 27 mile lap in the morning followed by a three hour grand prix in the afternoon. Our favorite part of the moto race is the land rush starts, you won’t want to miss them.
Monday, Feb. 1- Vision X East vs West Shootout
This event is arguably as entertaining at KOH itself, and can take credit for why so many people show up early to Hammertown. On Monday night, rigs ranging from homebuilt crawlers to Southern rock bouncers compete for the fastest time up Backdoor, a trail that contains a ten foot tall ledge in the middle of it. There are stadium lights and announcers with thousands of people lining each side of the trail, cheering and heckling the drivers.
Tuesday, Feb. 2- Qualifying
Rather that determining starting order at random, a short course near Hammertown is used to put the fastest vehicles up front on race day. The course contains all of the elements of KOH, just in a smaller package. Live streaming of the biggest names takes place during the “Power Hour”, but the best seat in the house in right next to the qualifying course.
Wednesday, Feb. 3- Polaris UTV Race
The average Ultra4 car uses 40-inch tires. The average UTV uses 29-inch tires, and they race on many of the same trails! Few finish each year, but these are the closest vehicles to stock that you will find racing at KOH. Mitch Guthrie Jr. has dominated the UTV race nearly every year, will 2016 be the same?
Thursday, Feb. 4- Smittybilt Every Man Challenge (EMC)
The EMC contains three classes: the Rubicon Express Modified Class (4500), the Pro Comp Stock Class (4600), and the Legends Class (4800). Legends is the fastest growing class in KOH, with close competition at every race. Each class has specific rules to ensure a level playing field, making the EMC a true drivers’ race.
Friday, Feb. 5 - Nitto King of the Hammers
When the main race takes place, your best bet at following the action is at Backdoor or Chocolate Thunder, which typically has a Jumbotron on location as well. Hammertown is also a great place to see your favorite teams pass through the short course area and make pit stops, with another Jumbotron on hand. If you venture further out to watch the race, be away of your surrounds and remember to stay back at least 150 feet from the race course.
Saturday, Feb. 6-Rec Wheeling
After spending a week watching others blast around some of the toughest trails in the country, it’s your turn to be part of the action. Saturday will have a bevy of fun runs for those looking to test the limits of their own rigs. You can find out more about these the week of the event.