Car Chat

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Cole, Co-Founder and Owner of King of the Hammers. Dave, a former off-road racer himself, has turned the rugged desert of Johnson Valley, California, into the ultimate proving ground for the world’s toughest drivers and machines. Known as the "toughest one-day off-road race on the planet," King of the Hammers combines high-speed desert racing with brutal rock crawling, pushing competitors to their absolute limits.

We discuss Dave’s journey from racer to race organiser, the origins of King of the Hammers, and how it grew from a casual challenge among friends into a global motorsports phenomenon. With a mix of adrenaline, innovation, and a die-hard off-road community, Dave shares the magic that makes King of the Hammers more than just a race.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://kingofthehammers.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to King of the Hammers

03:12 The Evolution of Rock Crawling and Off-Road Racing

05:59 The Technical Aspects of KOH

08:55 The Challenges of Desert Racing

11:54 The Dynamics of High-Speed Off-Roading

14:48 The Importance of Vehicle Design and Engineering

18:13 The Role of Strategy in Off-Road Racing

21:09 The Future of Off-Road Racing and Vehicle Innovation

23:50 Conclusion and Reflections on the Sport

37:46 The Evolution of KOH

50:04 Training and Preparing for KOH

01:00:20 The Impact of COVID on Off-Road Events

01:08:08 Memorable Experiences and Future Innovations

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