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Jeeps from the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge at King of the Hammers

Jeeps were out in full force this morning at staging for the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge. But these aren't just any Jeeps. Take a look at these modified rigs, taking on the rigors of King of the Hammers.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
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1 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Competitors are off the line at 8 a.m. and have until 6 p.m. to complete 115 miles of racing. More than 100 will start, few will finish.

King of the Hammers
2 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Rock sections are named to intimidate: Wrecking Ball, Jackhammer, Hell's Gate. A winch is absolutely necessary.

King of the Hammers
3 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Co-drivers are responsible for keeping the driver on track, running up to winch points and changing tires.

King of the Hammers
4 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

A good luck charm on the back of a rig.

King of the Hammers
5 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Big tires and big shocks are necessary if you want to take the podium at the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge.

King of the Hammers
6 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

My, what a large bumper you have! With limited rear visibility and incredibly loud engines, it's often difficult for drivers to see behind them. If another driver catches them it's legal to give the slower rig a little tap, or "nerf," just to let them know they've been pulled.

King of the Hammers
7 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Rigs carry one spare and one high-lift jack. The hope is to not have to use either. A tire change adds precious time.

King of the Hammers
8 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Gertrude the Jeep. Wonder if it was named after the driver's grandmother?

King of the Hammers
9 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

This rig isn't racing, but it looks pretty badass and it's for sale!

King of the Hammers
10 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

Straight axles are best for getting up and over the rocks, but they can slow drivers down in the high-speed desert section.

King of the Hammers
11 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

If these rigs don't make you want a Jeep, I'm not sure what will.

King of the Hammers
12 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

You can watch the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge live today, February 4, at www.ultra4racing.com/live

King of the Hammers
13 of 13 Emme Hall/CNET

These rigs have to crawl over ridiculously large rocks and perform on high-speed desert sections.

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