King of the Hammers is the largest off-road racing event in North America. It combines desert racing and rock crawling to come up with what promoters say is the world’s toughest one-day off road race. And for 2019, teams will vie for a $125,000 prize purse, the largest in the history of the sport. Reporter Mike Lipsitz suggests we all buckle up and hold on to our hats…
Since its one race, humble beginnings 13 years ago, King of the Hammers has expanded to a series of five racing events that will be held between Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 9 in Johnson Valley. And if past attendance is any indicator, upwards of 40,000 people will descend on the otherwise sleepy community for eight days of fun and fury as more than 300 racing teams compete. King of the Hammers kicks off with the opening of “Hammertown,” a pop-up city that rises from the floor of Means Dry Lake accessed from State Route 247 just north of Landers. Spectator tickets are $30 at the gate and are good all week; active duty military and kids age 10 and under are free. Other military discounts available when tickets are purchased at the gate.
Go to www.ultra4racing.com for more information advance ticket sales, vehicle permits, pet policies, vendors, spectator tips, and more.
