Motorsport Rundown: Remembering John Andretti and Recapping 2020 King of the Hammers, NHRA Winternationals

Today, we’re recapping the 2020 King of the Hammers race and the season-opening 2020 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, as well as remembering the inspiring life and career of John Andretti. An instantly likable and incredibly talented man, the racing community is still feeling the after-shocks of losing not just a great athlete, but also an undeniably great human.

Remembering John Andretti

On Thursday, January 30, after a long and public battle with colon cancer, beloved NASCAR and IndyCar driver John Andretti passed away at age 56. Born to a dynasty of Andretti racers, John was an accomplished standout in his own right, racking up wins on dirt and pavement, endurance and drag racing, proving his versatility and natural talent.

He was the first driver to attempt the Memorial Day double—a grueling test of resolve that requires running both IndyCar and NASCAR in the same day, totaling 1,100 miles of racing. He was also an iron man in both sports. And when it came time to face his most difficult challenge—a terrifying cancer diagnosis—he did so with optimism and courage. Furthermore, he redirected his passion for racing to spreading awareness about colon cancer, encouraging people to go for screenings.

In a touching tribute to Andretti, his family and friends orchestrated a funeral procession around the legendary 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so the athlete they admired, the husband and father they loved, could have one last lap before he was laid to rest. “We will forever carry with us John’s genuine spirit of helping others first and himself second,” wrote Andretti Autosport at the time of his passing. A moving sentiment and a worthy goal. Race in Peace, John.

If you would like to make a small gift in John Andretti’s memory, Window World Cares and Riley’s Children’s Foundation were two organizations he held close to his heart. And remember, the easiest way to honor his battle is to #Checkit4Andretti.

2020 King of the Hammers Results

Another February, another King of the Hammers in the books. And, like every year, this one was full of trials, tribulations, and dirt-eating action. There’s a reason it’s called the most grueling one-day race in the world—miles upon miles of desert and dirt, whose only “reprieve” is a treacherous minefield of rock-crawling canyons that look like something Mother Earth spit up in anger. Break-downs are common, attrition expected. Just finishing is a noteworthy accomplishment. But like everything in life, there’s gotta be a winner.

Taking the crown of the main event—the OG 4400 Unlimited Class that started King of The Hammers—was Josh Blyler with his No. 41 Miller Motorsports car rocking a solid front axle (and reigniting the long-held debate of solid axle vs IFS). The East Coast racer’s victory surprised many spectators, especially when he rolled his rig in Backdoor on the last lap. This is Blyler’s first win but fourth finish, taking 11th place last year, 4th in 2018, and 6th in 2017. Rounding out the podium was Erik Miller in second place (his third year in a row taking the honor) and Marcos Gomez in third.

Last year’s winner Jason Scherer saw transmission failure take him out of the race, while two-time champ Loren Healy was stymied by driveline issues. Bailey Campbell—who led the race for more than an hour and looked like she might just have a serious shot at becoming Queen of the Hammers—had her hopes dashed by a bad water pump pulley. She eventually got the needed parts and finished 22nd.

And while a 15th-place finish might not sound exciting, it marked the first time a UTV has completed the 4400 class race—a major achievement, seeing as its competing against vehicles with 800+hp and 40-inch tires!

Other notable victories at the 2020 King of the Hammers include…

Can-Am racer and rookie Hunter Miller took the 2020 Can-Am UTV King of the Hammers race on his first attempt this year, marking a first win for Can-Am as well. In fact, the ATV manufacturer celebrated a banger KOH, sweeping the podium, nabbing four of the top five spots, and eight of the top 10. (Keep in mind, this comes after Can-Am secured every single top-20 position at the 2020 Dakar Rally. Talk about a product endorsement!)

King of the Motos (KOM) returned to the 2020 King of the Hammers festivities after being left off the schedule last year. Cody Webb—also a returnee, who’s been recuperating with a bum knee for the last year—captured the win (his fifth overall) for the new Factory One Sherco Team. Another Sherco team rider, Louise Forsley, took home a Queen of the Motos win in the new Women’s class.

The beloved 4WP Every Man Challenge went to brothers Brad and Roger Lovell, after a thrilling race to the finish among the final four contenders. “Ten years ago, we lost the race by 28-seconds. Today we won by 29 seconds—I’ve been chasing those few seconds for a long time,” said Lovell. “This is my 15th KOH with my brother in the same car, and this year we pushed it harder than ever.”

Off-road star Bryce Menzies dominated the second annual Toyo Tires Desert Invitational for the unlimited T-1 (Trophy-Truck) class, taking home a $100,000 payout and making amends for his depressing loss at last November’s SCORE Baja 1000. Menzies was one of six entries to finish the race, out of 16 total contenders.

For a list of all the winners of each class, head over to the Ultra4 Racing website.

Curious to know what went down in Hammertown this year? “So many people attend that a temporary city is formed. Literally, Hammertown rises from the dust like an ancient civilization coming back to claim its glory,” writes our friend Cody Sisson, who attended KOH 2020 with his TrailChasers podcasting crew.

“If you have any interest in off-roading, there is something out there for you,” he adds. “Between the specialized builds that the vendors and racers bring out, to the mild-mannered daily-driver, you will find something that can inspire you to take your off-roading to the next level. And don’t even get me started on the camping…”

To learn more about Cody’s experience at KOH—as well as the brand-new Overland Experience he attended with ICON Vehicle Dynamics, click here.

2020 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals

The 2020 NHRA Winternationals wrapped up in Pomona, marking an exciting season opener full of first-time winners and record-breaking veterans. For the first time in NHRA history, all three winners in professional categories were winners from the Pomona World Finals.

Doug Kalitta took home his third straight win (48th career), making Winternationals Top Fuel history and marking a 12-round win streak at Pomona Raceway. His uncle, team owner Connie Kalitta, celebrated with him, as he has been a part of all sixty Winternationals, driving his own way to a Top Fuel victory in 1967. “The 60th is pretty special,” said Doug. “Connie was here at the first one. I couldn’t be happier for him and the family and the legacy that’s been created out here.”

Jack Beckman collected his first Winternationals Funny Car victory, defeating legendary racer John Force in the final round. This was his third straight time reaching the final round in Pomona, taking runner-up last year and a victory at the season finale. “It’s my home track,” said Beckman. “I’ve probably spent more time down there on the starting line than anybody else … I had never won a nitro title at Pomona up until November last year and now I got two in a row. It’s beyond magical.”

Jeg Coughlin Jr. celebrated his 64th Pro Stock Wally (83rd Wally his career) just one day after announcing his retirement. Beating three-time world champion Jason Line in the final round, who also announced his retirement, Coughlin Jr. ran a 6.522 at 210.80 mph to Line’s 6.565 at 209.56.

Click here for some great video highlights from the 2020 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals and tune in February 21-23 for the NHRA’s duel in the desert, the annual Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.