Steve TurnerWith the pending release of the full-size Bronco, Ford is going all-in on its ultra-customizable off-road machine. Having previously tested the waters with its prototype Bronco R at the legendary Baja 1000, it was only natural the company would go all in at a mega desert event early this year.
“King of the Hammers inspired us to ensure every production Bronco model delivers the capability, durability and high-speed off-road experience this growing off-road enthusiast community has been trying to create on their own,” Mark Grueber, Bronco marketing manager, said. “These Bronco 4400 race trucks underscore our commitment to the Bronco Built Wild capability and innovation in the red-hot off-road racing scene.”
Featuring a custom tubular chassis, the Bronco 4400 trucks wear huge tires and long-travel shocks. They are powered by high-powered engines and rugged drivelines. Inside drivers ride in Recaro seats with FIA off-road certified Pro Pacer XL ORV race shells.
“With the Bronco R Race Prototype at the Baja 1000 and the Bronco Sport victory at the Rebelle Rally, the debut of the three Bronco 4400 race teams shows Ford Performance’s growing commitment to Bronco in off-road competition,” Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports, explained. “These 4×4 vehicles are modeled after the all-new Bronco two- and four-door production SUVs with their combination of high-speed desert running and rock crawling agility.”
Piloting these race-ready Broncos are a trio of experienced drivers including Vaughn Gittin Jr. and two three-time King of the Hammers champions, Loren Healy and Jason Scherer.
“This is a killer opportunity to bring a new flavor of Bronco to the Hammers and push the Bronco brand deeper into the competitive off-road scene, while also building the foundation for future Bronco off-road racing vehicles,” said Gittin Jr.
You can watch the livestream right here as the Broncos take on the legendary King of the Hammers off-road racing event running from February 2-6 in Johnson Valley, California.
Photos Courtesy Of Ford Performance
