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[pics & video] The Gladiator of Johnson Valley – The Jeep Truck after KOH [pics & video] The Gladiator of Johnson Valley – The Jeep Truck after KOH
  So what happens when you take a brand new, not even released to the public vehicle, spend 10 days (yes, 10) prepping it... [pics & video] The Gladiator of Johnson Valley – The Jeep Truck after KOH

 

So what happens when you take a brand new, not even released to the public vehicle, spend 10 days (yes, 10) prepping it for arguably the most difficult off-road race in the country, then throw in a couple of the best drivers in their fields to pilot this car where only a handful of vehicles finish?

Well, we are going to give you a peek at what the newest member of the Jeep family looks like after doing just that! Savvy Racing took this pre-production, engineering truck and turned it from mild to full race ready in just 10 days!

A great marketing ploy by Jeep, the goal was simple… finish the race… but unless you have actually been out to Johnson Valley, California, and experienced what the location of Ultra4 Racing’s King of the Hammers can dish out, you realize that is not such a simple goal.

In order to compete in the Stock Class, the truck had to remain with it’s stock frame, stock powertrain (3.6 L V6, 8 Speed Auto, Rubicon T-Case), stock body and stock steering.

Savvy made the following modifications for the race:

  • Lift – 5 ½ inch
  • Shocks – Fox 2.5 remote reservoir, 12” travel front, 14“ Rear
  • Axles – Dynatrac ProRock 60s, high pinion, 4.88 gears
  • Drive shafts – JE Reel
  • Protection – full custom belly skid plate
  • Safety – Custom roll cage, racing seats with 5 point harnesses, racing cell per
    requirements

With long time racers Erik Miller and Robby Gordon to make sure the truck had the best possible chances of making it to the finish line, the teamwork paid off, and the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Truck successfully crossed the finish line within the allotted time!

KOH Race Results:
It was one of six trucks in the 4600 Stock Class to finish. There were 29 total
trucks in the stock class.

It was one of 48 total finishers in 3 classes. There were 130 starters.

Here’s a quick video walk around of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator after it’s successful finish of the Every Man Challenge during this years King of the Hammers.

 

*****

Corey Osborne Co-creator

After 23 years of corporate life, I decided to pursue my passions in the off road industry. Specializing in marketing, visibility, relationship and brand building, and acting as MetalCloak's field marketing representative, I have travelled across the country (quite a few times!) using Metalcloak’s CTI (Corner Travel Index) to educate the off road enthusiast. I have also worked with Jeep Jamboree USA as event staff, to provide additional value and education to its participants. I've been fortunate enough to work with both international as well as domestic media; have attended most of the off-road events across our country; and have driven a wide variety of vehicles. I'm a certified PADI scuba instructor and have a BS in Computer Science.

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