Crawlin 7
By Richard Walker
The '2012 Griffin King of the Hammers' was definitely one for the record books. The weather was nothing like previous years, with the lack of wind or rain making the already brutal 165 mile course very dusty. In addition, KOH co-founder, Dave Cole, opened up the main race to all non-qualified racers, to add to the effort in the fight for land use. This would put approximately 150 racers on the start line. Add all those factors together and you get the recipe for a long, grueling day for everyone present, and a very exciting day for those of us watching at home on the Internet!
The King of the Hammers has grown to be so popular that teams not only travel to participate from all over the US, but from all over the world. Canada has always had some representation, but this year saw five Canadian teams competing - which to my knowledge, is a record. The Canadians that made the long trek to Johnson Valley are; Mat Noualy (#328 from Ontario), Robb Kaufman (#22 from Alberta), Curtis Warner (#4410 from BC), Barry Cherneske (#4502 from Alberta) and Shane Gilroy (#380 from Alberta).
Mat Noualy qualified for the big race at one of the Rausch Creek (RCROCS) events. Sporting a fresh Quaker State wrap and sponsorship, he and his co-driver battled the elements, finishing in at a very respectable 32nd place, becoming the first Canadians to finish the King of the Hammers race - the toughest one day event in the world!
Curtis Warner is a KOH regular, and has been competing in this race since it was opened up to people beyond the OG 13. With a “never give up” attitude at any race they attend, he and his brother, Dave Warner, gave it their all - finishing this race for the first time (without driving in reverse for extended periods of time!). They finished 44th overall, having spent 13 hours on the race course!
Robb Kaufman is fairly new in the race scene, but since acquiring his Ultra4 car from Trent Fab, he (and his team) have been hitting events like crazy, getting lots of seat time. They had a very respectable time on their LCQ run, but it looked like they would fall short for qualification. Then, Dave Cole opened up the race to non-qualified racers, and they were in. They started near the back of the pack, but were able to fight their way to a 40th overall finish!
Shane Gilroy and crew, worked like mad men to get a newly built car down to KOH to try their luck at the LCQ. With minimal seat time, they were out doing some suspension testing, and getting a feel for the car when they had a little accident. The car rolled at speed, and a small electrical fire started. Everyone was OK and the fire was put out, but the repairs couldn’t be made on the Lakebed, thus ending their chance at the LCQ and the main race.
Barry Cherneske and his car, “The Rental”, had quite the following out in Internet land. With build threads on many forums, the word was out that they were coming to run the wheels off this thing. And that they did! Plagued with breakage from the time they started testing, to where the car finally wouldn’t move anymore, these guys truly showed what some Canadian boys can do. From replacing transmissions to steering issues, these guys fought for every mile they drove. It was amazing to watch everyone chip in to get them up and running, over and over again. True sportsmanship is one of the many reasons I love this sport so much.
2012 was a great showing for the Canadians, and they did all of us proud. It takes a major commitment from a team of people - support from family and friends, as well as true dedication - to get to these races. These guys all do it, as much for the challenge as the love of the sport. After all, racing is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle!
Stay safe and see you on the trails.