Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx Built for the 2010 King of the Hammers

Posted on February 17, 2010
1:37 pm

The #1965 Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx was built to tackle one of the most demanding UTV races of its era: the 2010 Pit Bull Tires King of the Hammers. Driven by Kawasaki Team Green’s Reid Nordin with Jon Crowley serving as spotter, the purpose-built Teryx combined desert-racing speed with the durability and control needed for Johnson Valley’s punishing rock trails.

The approximately 60-mile race was scheduled for February 11, 2010, in Johnson Valley, California. Although relatively short compared with traditional desert races, the course combined dry lake beds, sand dunes, high-speed desert roads and extreme rock crawling. That mix placed tremendous demands on the chassis, suspension, drivetrain, tires and occupants.

“Although this race is shorter than many other desert races, the combination of terrain makes it very challenging. This race takes its toll on a UTV, and I think our unique build is well suited to take it on,” said Crowley, owner of the #1965 Kawasaki Teryx.

A Ground-Up Kawasaki Teryx Race Build

Crowley competed in the previous year’s exhibition UTV race and later entered a Valley Off-Road Racing Association event. Those experiences helped shape the plan for a complete ground-up rebuild ahead of the 2010 King of the Hammers UTV race.

The original Kawasaki Teryx frame was stripped down to the primary chassis rails supporting the engine and differentials. Roggy Enterprises then fabricated a custom chassis and roll cage designed around Funco long-travel suspension and FOX 2.0 position-sensitive shocks.

The suspension package was designed to handle two very different jobs. It needed enough control and travel for fast desert terrain while retaining the articulation and low-speed capability required for Johnson Valley’s technical rock trails.

840cc Muzzys V-Twin Engine

At the heart of the Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx was an 840cc V-twin built by Muzzys Performance Products. The engine featured ported cylinder heads, oversized valves, billet throttle bodies and a Muzzys Pro Pipe exhaust system.

Fuel management came from MSD Ignition, while a Dalton Industries clutch kit and clutch cover helped tailor the CVT for the modified engine and changing terrain. An aFe air filter supplied the engine with clean air, and Summit Racing components included the radiator and fuel cell.

Motorsports Fabrication Services completed the detailed aluminum work, wiring and final assembly that brought the race car together.

Built to Survive Johnson Valley

King of the Hammers terrain is especially hard on tires and wheels. Sharp rocks, ledges and low tire pressures can quickly expose weak components, so the team partnered with Pit Bull Tires and DragonFire Racing.

The Teryx ran Pit Bull Rocker XOR tires featuring an eight-ply radial construction and deep, flexible tread blocks intended to grip rocks while resisting punctures. The tires were mounted on DragonFire Racing Baja Crippler beadlock wheels with reinforced inner sections and heavy-duty beadlock rings.

“As you can imagine, tires and wheels take a beating, and that is why we teamed up with DragonFire Racing and Pit Bull Tires,” Crowley said.

A Factory UTV UHMW skid plate protected the underside of the Teryx, while a WARN winch, Custom Splice fairlead and Baja Designs Kwik Jak provided recovery options on the course.

Experienced Kawasaki Team Green Driver

Reid Nordin brought considerable racing experience to the driver’s seat. As the driver of record for the UTV-class-winning teams at the 2009 Baja 500 and Baja 1000, Nordin already knew how to manage a Kawasaki Teryx through demanding off-road terrain.

Nordin and Crowley also had experience riding together in Moab, on the Rubicon Trail and near the Grand Canyon. That familiarity was valuable in a race where driver and spotter communication could make the difference between clearing an obstacle and losing valuable time.

“Reid and I have been on several rides together, including Moab, the Rubicon and the Grand Canyon. He is a good friend and a consistent, methodical racer. I am really looking forward to getting to the starting line and having some fun,” Crowley said before the race.