Ultra4 USA

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In 2007, a group of friends, gathered at a Chili's bar, sketched out an impromptu race on a napkin. They invited 12 buddies to Johnson Valley, CA, without revealing why. When their friends arrived in their garage-built rock crawlers, they learned they’d be racing across Means Dry Lake for a simple prize—a case of beer. This impromptu event became the first King of the Hammers, now renowned as the world’s biggest and toughest off-road race. The excitement was so high that by the following year, King of the Hammers became an official event, attracting racers eager to take on its extreme course, blending high-speed desert stretches with challenging rocky mountain terrain.

Interest grew rapidly, and soon racers were building specialized, high-speed vehicles capable of tackling rocks larger than the cars themselves. This evolution led to the creation of the Ultra4 class, with just one requirement: vehicles must have 4WD. Today, the Ultra4 Racing Series includes nine races nationwide, with the ultimate goal being a chance to compete at King of the Hammers. Now a week-long event, King of the Hammers attracts over 600 competitors, 80,000 spectators, and millions of online viewers. The 180+ mile course challenges even the most skilled drivers across some of the toughest terrain on the planet, making Ultra4 racing a true test of endurance and skill—from the iconic King of the Hammers to intense short-course races like NorCal Stampede.

Speed Sport 1 defines Ultra4 USA as not just a national 4×4 racing series, but a lifestyle and culture dedicated to extreme off-road racing. Often described as a blend of rock crawling and high-speed desert racing, Ultra4 USA combines the most intense aspects of four-wheel-drive competition to deliver the ultimate off-road challenge. Known for its endurance-focused, long-distance events, Ultra4 racing pushes drivers to cover hundreds of miles over hours or even days, demanding a mix of speed, technical skill, and resilience. Competitors must tackle tough terrain while keeping their vehicles performing at peak levels. The series offers varied race formats, from rock crawling and hill climbs to desert racing, ensuring an exhilarating and unpredictable experience for racers and fans alike.