KING OF THE HAMMERS: NEW KINGS CROWNED
ISSUE 2 VOL 1
The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports
MARCH 2020
hammer down!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BEST IN THE DESERT PARKER 425
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EXPLORING THE HATFIELD & MC COY TRAILS WITH KAWASAKI
TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>
10
4
WORD
6
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
8
DIRTWORLD
28 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
16
29 CALENDAR
FEATURES> 10
HAMMERDOWN: NEW KINGS CROWNED AT KING OF THE HAMMERS
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PARKER 425: NEW RACE FORMAT AND BIG PAYOUTS
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EXPLORING THE HATFIELDMCOY TRAILS WITH KAWASAKI
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TECH> 30
Publisher Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief Shaun Ochsner Sales and Management Dave Arnold Contributing Editors Jake Headlee Steve Hanson
INSTALLING RPG RAPTOR LIFT SPACERS
Contributing Photography Shaun Ochsner Eric Minks Jake Headlee Richard Giordano Ryan Del Ponte Nicole Dreon Kawasaki Email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com Website: www.dirtsportsworld.com
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WORD
TELL YOUR STORY
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ecently, an industry colleague made a very informative post on Facebook. The post was directed at teams preparing for King of the Hammers. In the post, she reminded teams to take time to gather photos at the event and market their team. She says teams need to tell their story. We don’t know who you are, what you are doing and why you are doing it. There are over a hundred media outlets that cover big events such as King of the Hammers. Reach out to the media people at events. A good way to start would be those that are responsible for giving us the credentials. They know exactly who we are and what we do. Not too long ago I was sitting in a board meeting with a bunch of drivers complaining their stories never get told and they never get any tv coverage. Not one of them has ever reached out to the media outlets and television producers and racing events to tell their stories. We don’t have the time to follow every person involved in racing on social media, however many good stories do come from shared social media posts. Reach out to us. If you have a good story idea, we would love to hear it. Your sponsors will thank you. Drop us an email at dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief Dirt Sports World
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NEWS
Valley Fever and Surgery Sidelines RPM Racing
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PM Racing has announced through SCORE International, the team will not race in 2020. Team co-owner and principal driver Justin Matney is not only recovering from a recent heart surgery, but it was also discovered he had Valley Fever. SCORE says while the clinic was preparing Matney for mitral heart valve surgery, a mass was discovered in his lung and quickly diagnosed as Valley Fever. A possible cause of Valley Fever can be attributed to the prolonged exposure to the dust found in the desert while Matney was racing. Doctors say Matney will take six months to make a full successful recovery. “We anticipate a return to a full schedule of SCORE desert racing in 2021 and look forward to racing for championships in several different classes next year. The
thoughts and prayers of the desert racing community are greatly appreciated. RPM is targeting a return to the SCORE World Desert Championship for this year’s wild and wonderful SCORE Baja 1000 peninsula run,” says Matney. Matney has 6 SCORE season championships under his belt. Under the ownership of Clyde Stacey, the team as a whole has won nearly 30 class season points championships. Drivers impacted by RPM’s decision not to race include Carlos “Apdaly” Lopez, Sara Price and Derek Fletcher. Smiley Motorsports has picked up “Apdaly” for the Best in the Desert race season while Price has found a ride with another team for the Mint 400. RPM has typically fielded multiple cars during racing events.
Losi Creates Limited Edition Mint 400 RC Truck Losi has created the race truck just about everyone can afford. The Mint 400 and Losi have created a limited-edition Ford Raptor Baja 1/10th scale RC truck. The Baja Rey features the 2020 Mint 400 livery. It’s built on their RC race truck platform and is ready for speed, power and performance. In October 2019, Losi raced a 5IVE-T 2.0 on the entire 125-mile Mint 400 course. 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT “LOSI brings the thrill of off-road racing, flying, or boating to your backyard at a smaller scale, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back to this year’s Mint 400,” said Mint 400 CEO, Matt Martelli. “RC trucks are a great way to bring the fun of our Baja Trucks and buggies home, and Horizon Hobby brands like Losi are up to the task no matter what you put them through. Fresh off of a lap around our race course, we’re excited to see their latest products on display.”
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DIRT WORLD
KING OF THE HAMMERS
But first, let me take a selfie.
KING OF THE HAMMERS
KING OF THE HAMMERS
Censorship sucks!
KING OF THE HAMMERS
Is this some weird magical balancing act?
KING OF THE HAMMERS
All the cool kids sportin’ “moto”hawks these days.
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That’s one baaaaad sheep!
THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE
KING OF THE HAMMERS
KING OF THE HAMMERS
This guy could use just one more hat. You know, for protection.
It’s true, Unicorns do exist!
KING OF THE HAMMMERS
SU BM YO IT U PH R OT O SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE.
It’s a rough job, but somebody has to do it.
Email to: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com
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KING OF
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THE HAMMERS A NEW ERA OF KINGS WORDS BY SHAUN OCHSNER PHOTOS: SHAUN OCHSNER, RICHARD GIORDANO (KOH), RYAN DEL PONTE (KOH), CAN-AM, NICOLE DREON (KOH)
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n its twelve-year existence, just five guys have been able to crack the code at winning the King of the Hammers. Many of those elite five have multiple king titles at the Hammers. Those elite five, just became a kingdom of six this year. That’s because with luck and determination, Josh Blyler cracked the code and won the 2020 King of The Hammers. Over 100 racers work all year long to make it into the most epic combination of rock and desert race known as King of the Hammers. Many build cars just for this once a year event. Some travel from all over the world, hoping to grab a last chance qualifier position in the main race. It starts with the Ultra-4 series itself. Racers have to participate in races around the country, throughout the year and place in the top spots to even qualify for the King of the Hammers main event. If you are one of the “elite six,” you are already qualified into the main for life.
KING OF THE HAMMERS The 2020 King of the Hammers event saw several lead changes. Fans were on the edge of their seats watching live coverage and tracking. As the hours ticked by, it was anybody’s race. Former and defending king, Jason Scherer was out front. Scherer went down with a transmission failure. Next up was two-time former king Loren Healy. Healy suffered driveline issues. Bailey Campbell took the physical lead on the second lap.
It wouldn’t be long before her race vehicle was dead stopped on the course with a water pump problem. Cameron Steele then moved into to the lead, but he would soon also stop with a broken steering rack. Marcos Gomez was next in contention for the lead. Gomez broke a tie rod just miles from the finish. That’s when 12 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Josh Blyler made his move. Somehow coming down the rock section in Backdoor, Blyler flipped the vehicle on its roof. Once he and his co-driver got the vehicle back on all four wheels, Blyler left his co-driver behind and raced to the finish line for the win. So, who is Josh Blyler? Blyler hails from
Above: Erik Miller “hammers down” Backdoor. Below: Promoter Dave Cole congratulates Josh Blyler on his King of the Hammers win.
A NEW ERA OF KINGS
Pennsylvania. He began racing the King of the Hammers just 4 years ago with dreams of just finishing the event. He was successful with a 6th place finish. Blyler raced a vehicle built by Erik Miller of Miller Motorsports. Ironically, Miller finished behind Blyler after struggling with issues on the race course. The King of the Hammers UTV event also saw a new king crowned. KOH rookie Hunter Miller beat the rest of the field for a win at his first ever KOH race. Miller has multiple GNCC and WORCS championships on his resume. Miller, who has been racing for 25 years says King of the Hammers is the absolute hardest race he has ever done. Cody Webb took the crown in the King of the Motos race after spending months recovering from an ACL injury. Brad Lovell beat Seth VanDyke by seconds in the Every Man Challenge event. Bryce Menzies took home a $100,000 paycheck after winning the
“We do this for the experience. We do this for us, we’re having fun, just to be here is unreal.” -Josh Blyler
Above: Marcos Gomez works his way through the rocks. Below: Brad Lovell drives his way to a EMC win. (Photo: Richard Giordano)
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KING OF THE HAMMERS
Above Left: Riders battle the rocks during the King of the Motos. (Photo: Ryan Del Ponte) Above Right: Hunter Miller wins the UTV Event (Photo: Can-Am) Left: Cody Webb takes the victory at King of the Motos (Photo: Nicole Dreon)
T1 Desert Invitational. As zero hour approached at the main KOH event, only 44 racers out of 97 would finish. Of course, the high attrition rate at the Hammers is nothing new. One racer was quoted as saying “it aint over until you actually cross the finish line.” Anything can happen out there in the rocks. Some have the secret winning formula figured out and some are still struggling. Really, it seems like a lot of luck and smart driving to win the King of the Hammers. Now that the secret is out, it’s time for a new era of kings! 14 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
BEST IN THE DESERT PARKER 425
NEW RACE FORMAT AND LARGE PURSES WORDS BY SHAUN OCHSNER PHOTOS BY ERIC MINKS
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DESERT RACING
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he 2020 Best in the Desert season kicked off with a brand-new race format. For the first time, racing was split into two days. Slower and limited classes were run on Friday, while the faster 1500, 6100 and Trick Truck classes were run on Saturday. Officials split the classes to allow everyone to have a chance at finishing safely in the daylight. Racers had fewer bottlenecks and less lapping of slower entries. The two-day format was well received by the racers. The 425-mile race is known as one of the more challenging and grueling events in the Best in the Desert race series. The event starts right on the main street of downtown Parker and finishes near the Bluewater Casino alongside the Colorado River. The race ends the brief 2-month “off-season”. Many racers take the “offseason” opportunity to fine tune race vehicles, install new parts and possibly ready a completely new vehicle. Some teams also secure new sponsorships as well and showcase them at Parker.
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“What a way to start the new year of Car/Truck racing. This year’s event will go down in history as one of the best ever,” -BITD Operations Manager Donald Jackson
BEST IN THE DSERT PARKER 425
The Parker 425 is part of this year’s Maxxis Triple Crown. A bonus purse of over $50,000 was paid to overall finishers. 83 vehicles started on Friday, while 84 started Saturday. In the Unlimited truck class, all eyes were on Harley Letner who drove for Kevin Thompson in the #70 Concrete Motorsports truck. Harley was the fastest qualifier at time trials. Robby Gordon brought out his new truck, nicknamed the “Unicorn”. This would be the first race for Gordon’s truck. While testing for
Baja, the truck sustained heavy damage and would need weeks of repair. When the dust settled, Jason Voss finished 25 minutes ahead of Tracy Graf. In class 1500, Brandon Bailey beat out Brian Parkhouse by 4 minutes. Kyle Jergensen took a 6100 win over Ryan Hancock, Chris Schweers was victorious in Class 5000. Kyle Gieselmann won in Jeepspeed. The Parker 425 still goes strong every year despite losing organizer Casey Folks, who died just a couple weeks before this prestigious event in 2017. Every year racers come here to race in his honor and live their adventure with Best in the Desert. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 19
adventure
Exploring the Hatfield and McCoy Trail System with Kawasaki Words: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy Kawasaki
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veryone has heard of the most famous family feud in history. Hatfield vs McCoy. William Anderson, better known as “Devil Anse” ran the Hatfield family, while Randolph McCoy ran the McCoy family. The families feuded for decades on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky in the Tug Fork area of the Big Sandy River. The feud resulted in dozens of the family members on both sides getting killed or locked up in jail. Today there is still much speculation as to the original reason for the feud. Over the years, there has been plenty of media coverage surrounding this famous feud, including a mini-series that was produced
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for the History Channel. The feud also has also brought much needed to tourism to small towns in West Virginia and Kentucky. This is where our adventure begins. A multi-county OHV trail system was formed in the early 2000’s known as the Hatfield-McCoy trails. The trails run through the same areas the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s traveled through and had their famous feuds. The Hatfield-McCoy trail system expands 700+ miles with breath taking mountain views. The trails connect many small towns throughout West Virginia, welcoming OHV enthusiasts to stop into their local businesses.
EXPLORING THE HATFIELD-MCCOY TRAILS Kawasaki provided us with the new 2020 Teryx KRX-1000 to explore the Rock House trail located in Man, West Virginia. The Rock House trail has various difficulty levels, making it perfect for riders of every experience. There are hill climbs and obstacles for the more experienced rider. The trail also provides plenty of picturesque views in the hills of West Virginia. Kawasaki’s 2020 Teryx KRX-1000 is designed to tackle any terrain and a perfect side-by-side vehicle for the Hatfield-McCoy trail system. You’ll find everything from mud puddles to blast through to rocky hill climbs. Throttle response on the KRX-1000 is immediate, getting us up to speed on the trails quickly. One of our favorite features on the KRX 1000 is the automatic engine braking, smoothly gliding us down the trail’s steep hills. The Kawasaki Teryx KRX-1000 comes with FOX 2.5 Podium shocks that keep us comfortable while blasting through the ever-changing terrain.
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KAWASAKI ADVENTURE
If you are looking for an adventure, we recommend checking out the HatfieldMcCoy trail system. The trails are open year-round. (you may want to keep an eye on the weather during your visit.) There are fees to use the trail system. A resident or non-resident permit can be purchased at each trailhead and is valid for a calendar year. The permit is good for any trail within the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
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TECH
a simple elevation for a 2nd generation ford raptor The Ford Raptor is an extremely capable rig right off the dealer lot, but in this world, we always want more. There are many ways to get that extra boost. Not all are created equal. The front suspension design of the second-generation Ford Raptor, 2017 to current, uses Fox 3.0 shock bodies set up in a coilover design. With this combination, a spacer can be added that moves the lower spring perch higher on the body, pushing the overall loaded height up. RPG Off-Road has put an incredible amount of focus on the performance of Ford trucks, specifically Raptors, F-150s and Rangers. Their extensive product offerings are proof enough that they mean business. We caught up with the guys at Baja HQ in San Clemente, California to follow along on an install and catch other tidbits they do to elevate a 2ndGen Raptor onto 37-inch tires. “RPG is one of a few companies that we like to use for Raptor lift spacers.” explained 24 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Words and Photos: Jake Headlee
Danny Ellender of Baja HQ. “They have great quality and fitment, so we always know the install will go smooth and the parts will last.” CNC-machined from the same OEMapproved material used to construct the Fox shocks on the Raptor, the 1.5-inch lift spacers are available in anodized black or matching Fox Blue. They are also available in 2.25-inch lift and 3-inch lift heights. Designed to replace the OEM-collar, the two-piece design clamps to the body using opposing threads with recessed stainless steel allen head bolts. The overall install takes about two hours and requires a spring compressor. No other specialty tools are needed. Just a well-rounded toolbox will do the trick. The install is certainly one that can be done in a driveway, though dealing with compressing coilover springs can be daunting and many local shops can handle the job.
RPG RAPTOR LIFT SPACERS
RPG Off-Road’s Coil Spring Perch Collar have an integrated lift spacer built into them. The CNC-machined pieces are durable and will outlast most everything else on the truck.
The factory suspension on Raptors is good, even better with a little extra height. Disconnect the sway bar, tie rod and upper control arm to give the coilover enough room to be removed.
After removing the coilover from the vehicle, the spring gets compressed. The old collar pieces are removed and the new RPG unit is installed. Make sure the shock body is free of debris that may interfere with the spacer clamping the body properly. “I like to make sure the logo faces the same way as the Fox logo.” Said Patrick, a technician at Baja HQ. “It is an extra detail that makes the whole thing look better when it’s done.” The new assembly then drops right back into the same location. Reattach all components just as they were, and you’re set! At this point, you could be done. Go get the truck aligned and off you go. This is where Baja HQ goes the extra mile. When putting 37s on a Raptor, the tires typically rub at the back of the wheel well. Instead of just letting it rub or simply hacking the inner liner, they’ve got a much cleaner way. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 25
TECH INSTALL
Pull the fender flare off the truck to let the inner liner free. Behind the liner, remove the plastic or foam piece that acts as a spacer between the liner and sheetmetal. Both the fender and the inner sheetmetal get trimmed. After trimming, crimp any sections of sheetmetal that have separated, then paint the bare metal.
Now that space has been made behind the liner, it gets pushed up against the sheetmetal and is Reinstall the fender flare using the factory clips and screws. The flare also helps hold the inner liner, so make secured using self-tapping screws. With this section of the liner out sure to reinstall those screws as well. of the way, the tires will no longer grab or rub it during use. 26 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
RPG RAPTOR LIFT SPACERS
A set of 37x12.50R17 BFGoodrich AllTerrains were mounted on Method Race Wheel 17x8.5 305 Series Matte Black wheels. All set! The new spacer collar blends in nicely with the factory components and the trimmed and tucked area is barely noticeable.
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CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET…
Words: Steve Hanson Photos: Bink Design & Dick Gray
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ere we go, not even the end of February and things are busy. An RFC conference in Phoenix, awards banquet in San Diego and a couple days’ worth of racing in Parker AZ back to Johnson Valley for King of the Hammers now off to Laughlin. Many more races in the horizon, the Mint 400, San Felipe 250 etc. and a wedding just a turn ahead. Pretty obvious 2020 is already full throttle with or without me ready. Isn’t that how life comes at us ready or not green, green, green! The gun goes off, the light goes out, the green flag drops, no matter how you start your race there is no time to find yourself stuck on the grid caught sleeping while everyone else has left you in their dust. Don’t get left behind searching for the trans-brake releasing button the right gear at the right RPM. Isaiah tells us to keep moving forward, seek God for your renewal and don’t get stuck in the past.
ISAIAH 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” As 2020 pins the needle at full RPM, I encourage you to take stock of what you have going for you. When it comes to your performance on the racetrack last year; a winning season or disappointing season it is in the past. Only look back to learn from your failures/successes. Focus on everything you accomplished and build on that, don’t let last year’s disappointments defeat you. Surround yourself with the best that can help you, not isolating yourself from others. The Christian walk: standing firm, is not a walk to take by yourself. We must have each other in order to stage, make the grid and peel out! God bless you in 2020.
IF YOU DO THESE THINGS IN 2020 YOUR LIFE WILL BE BETTER ONE YEAR FROM NOW! 1. 2. 3. 4.
Turn ownership of Your Life Over to Jesus. Attend Church Regularly. Participate in a Small Group. Serve in a Ministry.
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CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS march Mint 400- Las Vegas, NV March 3 - 8 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Round 1 & 2- Glen Helen Raceway - March 14 -15
EVENT TO ATTEND OFF ROAD NIGHTS DIRT LIFESTYLE EXPO
Best In The Desert Scrambles ChampionshipLaughlin, NV March 20 - 22 SCORE San Felipe 250 March 24 - 29 Off-Road Nights Expo- San Diego, CA (Del Mar Fairgrounds) March 28 - 29
april SNORE Battle at Primm- April 10- 12 NORRA Mexican 1000- Ensenda, Baja April 17 -23 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Round 3 & 4- Chandler, AZ (Wild Horse Pass Raceway) - April 25 -26 UTV Takeover- Grundy, VA (Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure) April 29 - May 22 Best in the Desert Silver State 300 Alamo, NV April 30 - May 3
Off Road Nights Dirt Lifestyle Expo expands to 2-days of action packed fun this year. The event takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, near San Diego with plenty of off-road vendors and live entertainment. Not to miss are the races inside of the arena. Watch race trucks, prerunners, UTV’s and buggies battle it out on an all new and longer course that features plenty jumps with high flying door banging action. More information can be found at www. ornscene.com
Have an event for our Calendar? Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 29
