Following Saturday’s Toyo Tires Desert Challenge Prologue at the 2024 King of the Hammers, the Baja Vida Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI had a land rush start across the Melville Dry Lake to take on the same 35-mile course, but in near-stock Volkswagen Beetles. 36 competitors raced in this year’s showdown with a familiar face taking the win after 45 minutes and a final lap of racing. Blake Wilkey drove aggressively throughout the race in his purple Beetle including hitting the short course jumps at full speed, but in the end, it all paid off. Four drivers did not start the race.
“My mom had a Volkswagen bug when I was born and there has been a picture of me and her with it up on the fridge as long as I can remember,” said Blake Wilkey when asked about his early connection to the Volkswagen Beetle. “I love the history of Class 11 racing and the culture around it, and to see it celebrated at King of the Hammers is rad. This is my fourth year at King of the Hammers, this is my third
win and since the day I built that car, it has zero DNFs in 47 races now, but it might be about time to build a new one because it’s finally starting to show some wear and tear. I gotta give it to my team and all the people that support me.”
To read a more in depth story on Race-dezert about the Baja Vida Class 11 Showdown including the drama with the land rush start click here.
To view the complete results for the Baja Vida Class 11 Showdown Presented by EMPI and all King of the Hammers races click here.
For the full race schedule and to watch the livestream of all KOH races click here.
Photos by GETSOMEphoto:
Photos by King of the Hammers Media:
