The Smoking Tire Podcast: Vaughn Gittin Jr and Dave Cole on the King of Hammers Stage Release Date: February 11, 2025

I. Setting the Stage at King of the Hammers

Timestamp: [00:03:00]

Matt Farah and Zach Klapman warmly welcome listeners from the King of the Hammers stage in Johnson Valley. They introduce their esteemed guests: Dave Cole, the founder of King of the Hammers, and Vaughn Gittin Jr., a renowned racing driver from Formula Drift and Ultra Four Racing.

Quote:
Matt Farah [03:10]: "We are up at the King of the Hammers race out in Johnson Valley and we are sitting up on the main stage doing a live podcast to Hammertown with King of the Hammers founder Dave Cole and racing driver Formula Drift Ultra Four Racing driver Vaughn Gittin Jr."

II. History and Evolution of King of the Hammers

Timestamp: [03:00:00 - 13:25]

Dave Cole delves into the origins of King of the Hammers, describing how the event began in 2007 as a departure from traditional rock crawling. Initially facing challenges in attracting participants and sponsors, Cole employed exclusivity as a strategy, which paradoxically drew more racers and media attention. Starting with 12 participants and a budget of $30,000, the race quickly scaled to accommodate over 700 entries by its 19th year.

Quote:
Dave Cole [10:17]: "In 2006, I competed in rock crawling and I love it still. My thing passion is rock crawling and the sport was growing but it was not, it wasn't taking off and it wasn't, we couldn't get people to come to it."

III. Technology and Vehicle Evolution in Off-Road Racing

Timestamp: [06:02:00 - 09:40]

The conversation shifts to the rapid technological advancements in off-road vehicles over the past decade. Vaughn Gittin Jr. highlights significant improvements in tires and suspension systems, noting that modern UTVs now feature technology akin to that found in high-end sports cars. These enhancements have not only increased speed and durability but also transformed the dynamics of off-road racing.

Quote:
Vaughn Gittin Jr. [07:14]: "We've got Fox live valve. Literally the same suspension that's in the Raptors that's constantly adjusting to what's going on."

IV. Vehicle Classes and Innovation

Timestamp: [19:47 - 40:33]

Dave Cole and Vaughn discuss the various classes within King of the Hammers, including Ultra 1, Ultra 3, and Ultra 4. The unlimited class, in particular, is praised for its diversity, allowing front-engine, mid-engine, and UTV-style vehicles to compete on equal footing. This variety fosters innovation, as teams continuously experiment with different vehicle configurations to gain a competitive edge.

Quote:
Vaughn Gittin Jr. [37:50]: "It is not this, I believe this isn't a race that even if you came in with the absolute best talent with the absolute best car and all the things at your disposal, you still don't have this anywhere close to locked up 100%."

V. Electric Vehicles in Off-Road Racing

Timestamp: [45:20 - 53:25]

The hosts explore the burgeoning role of electric vehicles (EVs) in off-road racing. Vaughn Gittin Jr. shares his excitement about electric technology, emphasizing the instantaneous torque and precise control that EVs offer. Dave Cole adds that while currently driven by hobbyists, electric trucks are set to revolutionize the sport, with potential for greater traction management and performance enhancements.

Quote:
Vaughn Gittin Jr. [48:16]: "I think if you guys would understand is basketball. If we have a perfect race with the equipment that we have and some of the other top teams have. On paper, sure. On paper we, it may, we may be perceived to be able to dominate, but it's out there is the equalizer. So all of these guys that all these 100 guys in my 700 people are showing up because they believe that they have a chance."

VI. Techniques and Skills in Off-Road Racing vs. Drifting

Timestamp: [21:50 - 60:10]

Vaughn elaborates on how his drifting experience translates to off-road racing. The skills of vehicle placement, weight management, and grip control are pivotal in both disciplines. However, off-road racing demands a more nuanced approach due to the unpredictable terrain. The hosts compare the macro weight transfers in off-road racing to the more subtle shifts in drifting, highlighting the unique challenges each presents.

Quote:
Vaughn Gittin Jr. [22:53]: "When you're in the rocks, you have to maintain momentum or you have to have grip to get through the, get through the situation."

VII. The Culture and Community of King of the Hammers

Timestamp: [13:26 - 21:23]

The podcast underscores the passionate community surrounding King of the Hammers. Dave Cole reflects on the camaraderie and dedication of participants, who spend nearly the entire year preparing for the event. Despite the intense competition, the spirit of innovation and mutual respect prevails, creating a vibrant and supportive racing environment.

Quote:
Dave Cole [13:18]: "The people that come here are the reason why it's rad."

VIII. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Timestamp: [57:53 - 62:20]

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts express their admiration for the event's intensity and the dedication of its participants. They highlight the seamless blend of passion, technology, and community that defines King of the Hammers. The episode concludes with plans to experience the race firsthand, underlining the hosts' commitment to immersing themselves in the off-road racing culture.

Quote:
Matt Farah [57:06]: "You could see it… you can see it the true experience as an enthusiast and a. From a performance perspective, you can't argue it."

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps:

1. Matt Farah [03:10]:
   "We are up at the King of the Hammers race out in Johnson Valley and we are sitting up on the main stage doing a live podcast to Hammertown with King of the Hammers founder Dave Cole and racing driver Formula Drift Ultra Four Racing driver Vaughn Gittin Jr."

2. Dave Cole [10:17]:
   "In 2006, I competed in rock crawling and I love it still. My thing passion is rock crawling and the sport was growing but it was not, it wasn't taking off and it wasn't, we couldn't get people to come to it."

3. Vaughn Gittin Jr. [07:14]:
   "We've got Fox live valve. Literally the same suspension that's in the Raptors that's constantly adjusting to what's going on."

4. Vaughn Gittin Jr. [37:50]:
   "It is not this, I believe this isn't a race that even if you came in with the absolute best talent with the absolute best car and all the things at your disposal, you still don't have this anywhere close to locked up 100%."

5. Vaughn Gittin Jr. [48:16]:
   "I think if you guys would understand is basketball. If we have a perfect race with the equipment that we have and some of the other top teams have. On paper, sure. On paper we, it may, we may be perceived to be able to dominate, but it's out there is the equalizer. So all of these guys that all these 100 guys in my 700 people are showing up because they believe that they have a chance."

6. Vaughn Gittin Jr. [22:53]:
   "When you're in the rocks, you have to maintain momentum or you have to have grip to get through the, get through the situation."

7. Dave Cole [13:18]:
   "The people that come here are the reason why it's rad."

8. Matt Farah [57:06]:
   "You could see it… you can see it the true experience as an enthusiast and a. From a performance perspective, you can't argue it."

Conclusion

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers an in-depth exploration of the King of the Hammers race, blending historical insights with technical discussions on vehicle innovation and racing techniques. The enthusiastic dialogue between Matt Farah, Zach Klapman, Dave Cole, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what makes King of the Hammers a pinnacle event in off-road racing. Whether you're an automotive enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode delivers valuable perspectives on passion, technology, and community within the racing world.