King of the Hammers-Who's Racing and How to Follow

The King of the Hammers (KOH) is a series of races, considered some of the most grueling off-roading events in the world, testing the limits of both drivers and their machines as they race across the brutal terrain of Johnson Valley, California. Each year, the most popular races are the Every Man Challenge (EMC) on Friday, February 7th, and the Race of Kings on Saturday, February 8th. Last year, I wrote about the history of KOH, especially from a Bronco enthusiast perspective if you'd like to learn more.

Every Man Challenge (EMC) – February 7th

The EMC is a proving ground for both amateur and seasoned racers, featuring multiple classes, including the 4600 Stock Class, which showcases production-based 4x4 vehicles. It was named because, in theory, the race is available to "every man" to enter without completely blowing a budget. It is also an extremely challenging event, with most entries unable to finish in the allotted race time. In 2024, 157 vehicles started the EMC but only 56 finished, many time out due to darkness.

Ford Performance is making a strong showing in the 4600 category, entering two stock class Broncos. The first is driven by off-road legend Brad Lovell and his son Adam Lovell, tackling the course in their #4621 Ford Bronco. Brad will be qualifying during Power Hour at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, and has already been out pre-running the course. He shared that this year’s race will be especially tough, with massive rock obstacles that will challenge even the most experienced competitors. When drivers are unable to navigate the rocks or break their vehicle trying, long back-ups develop, which can cost time or even the race.

Ford Performance drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy have teamed up to compete together in the second stock class 4600 Bronco, #2567, and are also expected to qualify on Tuesday during Power Hour. Vaughn and Loren will also be competing separately in the Race of Kings on Saturday. 

Race of Kings – February 8th

The grand finale of King of the Hammers, the Race of Kings, brings together the best Ultra4 drivers and unlimited vehicles in the world for the ultimate test of endurance and skill. The course combines high-speed desert sections with extreme rock crawling, making it one of the toughest and most fun to watch off-road races on the planet. In 2024, there were 105 vehicles that started the race but only 40 finished, with Vaughn Gittin Jr. taking 6^th place.

Vaugh Gittin Jr. is competing once again in the #25 truck, while Loren Healy will race against him in the #67 machine. Both vehicles have the name “Bronco” although the modifications required to compete in this level have taken the trucks far beyond what a stock Bronco is, although there is some badging still remaining.

Other highly modified Ford “Broncos” are well-represented in this elite race, with Jason Scherer piloting the #76 car and Rick Lavezzo in the #4449 machine. With their expertise and the proven capabilities of their Broncos, these drivers are set to be strong contenders for the crown. With nearly 100 vehicles set to qualify on Wednesday, it is anyone’s guess as to who will be this year’s King (or Queen) of the Hammers. 

How to Follow the Action

For those who want to watch or follow King of the Hammers action this year, there are multiple ways to stay up to date:

Live Streaming: Subscribe to the official King of the Hammers YouTube channel: King of the Hammers Official

Live Tracking: Follow the race in real-time at King of the Hammers

Mobile App: Download the official King of the Hammers app for live updates and tracking.

Again, I am amazed at how Starlink has become a game changer in at-home viewers ability to follow the races. Many have Starlink on board and combined with drone technology with longer ranges to follow the racers, it's becoming easy to keep tabs of your favorite drivers at home.

With high-profile competitors, extreme terrain, and the relentless challenge of Johnson Valley, this year’s King of the Hammers is shaping up to be one for the history books. Will a Bronco be on the podium this year? Buckle up and get ready for an off-road spectacle like no other!