Vaughn Gittin Jr. had an excellent start in the Ford-sponsored 2021 season of the Ultra4 Racing series. Right from the first race of the season – the King of The Hammers – Gittin placed fifth overall. Held in Johnson Valley, California, the King of The Hammers was a true test of endurance and capability, and Gittin Jr.'s specialized Ford Bronco 4400 – dubbed as Brocky -- proved able to take on the desert/crawling challenge.
Taking On The King Of The Hammers With Success
There is no doubt that Brocky, with its fifth place standing is a highly capable truck; however, many weren't able to witness first-hand how Brocky managed to achieve such. Thanks to Hoonigan AutoFocus, we're provided a glimpse into how Brocky (Ford Bronco 4400 #25) gave its all to conquer such a tough off-road contest.
As the video shows, Brocky navigated through a desert-like environment with ease. It was able to crawl on rock beds with definite success. When needed, Brocky raced through the sandy and dusty terrain.
But Brocky wasn't alone -- two other Bronco 4400 also competed in the King of The Hammers. One was piloted by RTR teammate and two-time winner Loren Healy, while the third Bronco 4400 was driven by three-time king Jason Scherer. How did these trucks became so off-road capable?
Ford Bronco 4400: Not Actually Broncos
The Bronco 4400s are actually custom race trucks with the Bronco body, or at least portions of it. Brocky used to have a body from an old Bronco, but now it dons the newer one. Since Brocky used to compete in the 4600 category, it is still served by an engine delivering around 720 hp of max output. Despite being underpowered for its new class, Gittin Jr. opted to keep the engine since a larger one won't fit into the chassis.
Sponsored by Ford Performance, the Bronco 4400s feature custom 4x4 driveline systems and ride on a fully custom tubular chassis, long-travel King shocks and beadlock wheel with massive off-road tires, as well as trail grapplers and Project X lights. Each Bronco features a race-prepped cabin with FIA off-road certified Pro Pacer XL ORV race shells from Recaro.
Special Exterior Ford Bronco 4400 Looks
All Bronco 4400s feature an exterior design similar to the Bronco R Race Prototype, which served as the test best for the Bronco four-door and two-door 4x4 SUVs. Interestingly, the RTR Bronco 4400s of Gittin Jr. and Healy sport different exterior looks and equipment from the Fox Bronco 4400 driven by Scherer.
Source: Hoonigan AutoFocus