As the Ultra4 community grows rapidly and more competitors throw in their bid to compete, new challenges have to be born to keep racers on their toes. And while being crowned "King" of the Hammers used to be the highest honor in Ultra4 Racing, with simply finishing the race being an accomplishment in its own, 2018 launches the ultimate competition for only the top drivers. Ultra4 Racing has officially announced the Nitto Triple Crown of Off-Road. This is the first series of its kind for Ultra4, combining desert, short course and endurance racing all-in-one. But the Triple Crown is not open to just anyone—only participants who finish the 2018 King of the Hammers race, or finished in the top 20 of the 2017 King of the Hammers race will be invited to compete in the Triple Crown series. This new series will put the top Ultra4 drivers against each other in three different races, each presenting its own unique challenges.
King of the Hammers
The first, and arguably most grueling race of the Nitto Triple Crown of Off-Road is the 2018 King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley, California. Dubbed “the toughest single day off-road race in the world,” finishing KOH is a qualifier for entering the Triple Crown competition. Only finishers of the 2018 KOH race, or the top 20 finishers of the 2017 KOH can continue on.
The Mint 400
The second race of the Nitto Triple Crown of Off-Road series is nicknamed “The Great American Off-Road Race.” The Mint 400 is an iconic desert race held in Las Vegas, Nevada each spring by Best in the Desert off-road racing organization—its approximate 400-mile course requires patience and strategy where endurance is key. While this will not be the first time Ultra4 vehicles compete in the Mint 400, it will certainly be a different race this year with the Triple Crown at stake.
Crandon International Speedway
The last stop of the Triple Crown is the 49th Annual World Championship Off-Road Races at Crandon International Speedway in Wisconsin. Known for featuring the widest and fastest short course tracks in the country, Crandon is a stark contrast from KOH and the Mint 400. This last race will be a true test to the Ultra4 drivers’ short course driving skill.
The diversity of these three races requires the most dynamic, well-prepared and strategic Ultra4 teams to push their limits and keep ahead of their competition. With such a stacked field full of past KOH Kings, top finishers and rising talent, the Nitto Triple Crown of Off-Road should be an exciting series to follow as we head into the 2018 Ultra4 Racing season.
2018 Nitto Triple Crown of Off-Road Races and Dates
Nitto King of The Hammers Powered by Optima Batteries | February 9th, 2018 - Johnson Valley, CA
BFGoodrich 50th Mint 400 | March 10th, 2018 - Las Vegas, NV
40th Annual World Championship Off-Road Race | August 31st & September 2nd, 2018 - Crandon, WI