King of the Hammers (KOH) is known as the most extreme and difficult race in America, but what makes it so treacherous. We take a look at some of the obstacles that drivers encounter over the course of the race.

From this year’s race we will take a look at Backdoor, Chocolate Thunder, and Clawhammer. KOH is a unique race that gives spectators plenty of viewing options. Some of the other popular spots to watch the race are Sledgehammer, Aftershock, Jackhammer, and Wrecking Ball. Each of these areas offers something different than the others and if the obstacle name gives anything away, driver beware.

Backdoor

Backdoor is one of the most popular obstacles in Johnson Valley and is located just a short distance from Hammertown.  It is a favorite among spectators as it features an extremely steep waterfall that requires drivers to hammer down in a make or break attempt to climb the waterfall. Spectators can expect to see extreme four-wheel-drive horsepower and some spectacular carnage on failed attempts at clearing the ledge.

To winch, or not to winch that is the question.

This year the ditch in front of the waterfall got upwards of six feet deep, according to some of the track volunteers. It was a great place to watch people think one of two ways; go all out or pull up and winch. We saw some teams have the co-driver hop out before attempting to make it up the waterfall, and some teams that would attempt it before ultimately opting for the winch.

Chocolate Thunder

From Hammertown you can see a group of cars in the distance on the side of a hill, and even through the dust everyone knows that is Chocolate Thunder. Brown rocks line this hill, and the combination of soft sand really makes it a difficult section for drivers. The roar of spectators can be heard through the canyon when the action heats up.

The hill gives way to two major routes, but they are changing with every passing car. Drivers need to be careful on which path they take. Choosing the wrong line could mean giving up your position. This is one obstacle that fans flock to and cover the hillside. Cow bells, cheers, and sometimes boos are all heard while sitting at this location. For a first timer, this is a must visit. The road from Hammertown is easy enough for most kinds of off-road vehicles.

Clawhammer

Near Race Mile 72 of this year’s KOH course, the competitors come across a challenging section known as Claw Hammer. It starts with a couple of easy banking turns, and then leads straight up a rockslide-prone canyon filled with stones the size of basketballs. The slow pace and potential for logjams amps up the aggressiveness of drivers, who will do just about anything to get out; in fact, we watched as one vehicle swung its front tires hard left, powered up a steep side of the canyon, and skittered across the rocky wall at full speed. Fortunately, he made it out ahead in one piece.

This section of the course is more difficult to get to with two-wheel-drive as we found out, but gives a great vantage point to an exclusive part of the course. The trip is worth the view and action providing both sand and rock sections for the drivers.

Regardless of where you went and what the race, KOH is a race that offers something for everyone. What areas did you check out the race from? Tell us in the comments below!