I hope to have the entry form up this week.
Entry deadlines are really hard as we have so much going on with the main race. 30,000 fans and 170 ish Ultra4 racers are a lot to manage. We will leave the entry open as long as it makes sense but keep in mind its a whole lot of handfull to manage 4 races in one week, so we need a pretty good idea of participation numbers so we can be in front of it. ( I am away from a computer the 3 weeks leading up the race on site)
The course.
I have the course now built in my head I just need to spend about 10 hours in front of a computer doing the map and GPS file. We will offer a Lowrnace Down load on site for the race when you check in. Pre running will start the sunday before the race. What makes this race a little tougher is that it is held as part of the week long KOH race. This means the UTV race takes place on a thursday morning before the start of our Ultra4 contingency line. Tough for some to get off work, but our main event is held on a friday to limit the impact of recreational use in the OHV area.
We look for a 4-6 hour race that will finish most all vehicles in time for our crews to get the course adjusted for the main event. This year we will offer a remore pit stop in an effort for more cars to finish the race.
This will be the third year KOH has offered a UTV race. Finding the right balance has been tough for us but thanks to Kawasaki they have helped us learn what the UTV's can handle. I would have no second thoughts of racing a mildly built UTV in the KOH race. The only thing I can see being an issue is the plastic running board will get damaged.
The course will be a balance of all types of terrain from sand to rocks to dry lakebeds and whoops. A winch would be smart, and a co driver who is in good shape will give you an advantage.
I have two experiences with UTV now, and I have come to the conclusion that for the line of work I am in there is no better vehicle then a sidexside with a bed. I am partial to the Teryx because that is what I have been in. I have climbed a 5 foot water fall, driven the farthest points of our race course and tackled a few rock trails now with the Teryx. The best part is that I did most all of it hauling wooden stakes, a sledge hammer, and course markers. The Griffin King of the hammers might be he toughest Ultra4 offroad race on the planet, but the Sidexside is the best tool for the job of marking it out.
Hope you guys will join us this year on the lakebed. Watch
www.kingofthehammers.com for the entry form and race details.
Thanks, and looking forward to another UTV trip to the Hammers.