In the high-octane world of off-road racing, one name stands out as a true legend—Loren Healy. Hailing from Farmington, New Mexico, Healy has not only left an indelible mark on the off-road racing scene but has also earned the title of "the winningest driver of all time in the Ultra4 Series."
The Early Days
Loren Healy's journey into the adrenaline-fueled world of off-road racing commenced in the late '90s when he bravely entered a rock-crawling event in his hometown. Little did he know that this humble beginning would set the stage for a remarkable career that would redefine the limits of off-road prowess.
Conquering Challenges and Making History
Healy's introduction to the Ultra4 Series in 2009 at the King of The Hammers was anything but smooth. However, rather than being discouraged by the initial setbacks, he used them as stepping stones to success. Fast forward to the present, and Loren Healy has become synonymous with victory, earning the distinguished title of "the winningest driver of all time in the Ultra4 Series."
One of the key elements in Healy's triumphant journey is his purpose-built Ultra4 "Bronco" buggy, aptly named the "Red Dragon." This meticulously crafted machine has been a driving force behind Healy's dominance on the racing circuit.
Ford Bronco and the Every Man Challenge
Beyond his individual achievements, Loren Healy is a key player in the Ford Performance Team, notably associated with the iconic Ford Bronco. In the 2024 King of the Hammers, the Bronco team, featuring legends like Vaughn Gittin Jr., Jason Scherer, and Brad Lovell, entered both the Every Man Challenge and the Race of Kings.
The Every Man Challenge, a fan favorite, is open to racers of all backgrounds but imposes limitations on car modifications. Loren Healy, along with Vaughn Gittin Jr., showcased their skills in this challenging event, highlighting not only speed and precision but also the adaptability to conquer both high-speed desert driving and demanding rock crawling segments.
Ford Ranger and Global Off-Road Racing:
Loren Healy took the wheel of the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor at the SCORE International Baja 1000. The Ranger's return to Baja, adorned with a nostalgic livery, paid homage to off-road triumphs of the past.
Healy, a prominent figure in Ford Performance's off-road endeavors, joined an all-star team that included Brad Lovell, Jason Hutter, and ARB 4x4 Accessories founder Andy Brown. The race-modified Ranger Raptor, sticking to SCORE's stock category, showcased its street truck prowess with "off-the-shelf" modifications.
In a swift 10-week collaboration with Kelly Racing in Australia, Ford Performance, and ARB, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor was primed for Baja's demanding terrain. Andy Brown, ARB Managing Director, brought his racing expertise to the driver's seat, emphasizing the robustness of ARB products, including the pivotal ARB Air Lockers.
Loren Healy's unmatched off-road experience, combined with the global collaboration of Ford and ARB, added a new chapter to his legacy. In the dust and heat of Baja, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor roared, leaving an indelible mark on the unforgiving terrain.
Photo courtesy of Ultra4
A Racing Resume Like No Other
Loren Healy's career is punctuated with numerous podium finishes and race victories that showcase his unparalleled skill and determination. From securing consecutive victories at the King of the Hammers to conquering the challenging terrain of events like the Crandon World Championships, Mint 400, and Baja 1000, Healy has consistently demonstrated his prowess as an off-road racing maestro.
Photo courtesy of Ford
For Loren Healy, off-road racing is not just a career; it's his life. His roots in Farmington, New Mexico, and a lifelong involvement in dirt sports underscore his deep connection to the off-road community. Whether it's conquering treacherous terrains, assisting with the launch of new vehicles, or celebrating victories, Healy remains a true off-road legend yet his dynasty is far from finished.
In the heart of the off-road racing community, the name Shannon Campbell roars. Beyond his reputation as a skilled racer, Campbell is a family man whose passion for off-road adventure has transcended generations. Described by those who know him as the nicest guy you'll ever meet, Shannon Campbell possesses an uncanny ability to transform from a polite, humble individual into a fearless off-road warrior the moment he takes the wheel.
Wayland Campbell stands out as a true maverick in the demanding world of off-road racing. Growing up surrounded by the roar of engines and the dust of off-road trails, Wayland inherited a legacy of racing, some will say it's embedded into his DNA. Born into a family deeply entrenched in off-road racing, Wayland is the son of legendary racer Shannon Campbell and brother to fellow off-road racer Bailey Campbell. Every season, you can rely on this trio fiercely competing for the coveted number one spot.
Bailey Campbell is a pioneer in the off-road community, setting the standard as not only the first woman to compete in the 4400 Ultra4 King of the Hammers but also the first to finish in the Top 5. As the daughter of the legendary racer Shannon Campbell, and brother to Wayland Campbell, off-road racing is deeply embedded in her family's DNA. Her family's racing lineage serves as the bedrock of her racing journey, fueling her determination to push the limits and etch her name alongside the greats.
As we head into the 2024 off-road racing season, one name stands out among the champions – Bryan Crofts. A seasoned off-road racer with a career spanning over two decades, Crofts has not only tasted success but has etched his name in the books of off-road racing history.
Levi Shirley, a Western Kansas native, has etched his name into the history books of off-road racing. From the early days of circle track racing to dominating the off-road scene, Levi's journey may be unorthodox but it is nothing short of extraordinary.
With over two decades of racing experience under his belt and three Ultra4 King of the Hammers trophies on his shelf, few names resonate as strongly as Jason Scherer.
If you're a fan of off-road racing, you've undoubtedly heard the name of the Hall of Fame off-road racer, Brad Lovell. Growing up surrounded by the rugged landscapes of Colorado, he developed a keen sense of adventure from a young age. Today, you can find him racing alongside his son, Byam, on the Ford Performance Racing Team.
Go to college, get a job, save money, quit that job, go travel… for modern-day adventure seekers, it’s the new life plan. Ernesto and Taisa met in Venezuela, finished up school, and built successful careers; but everyday life felt lacking.
At the heart of overland adventure is the gravitational pull of the unknown. Those who feel it, thrive in the bumpy, dusty pursuit of one unexplored route that leads to another, and another. His impressive 4×4 resume of conquered continents, polar extremes, and circumnavigations would suggest that Scott Brady has done it all; seen it all. But he’d swiftly disagree.
It all started with a Jeep – for American off-roading and Doug Pettis. The machines gifted from the Greatest Generation have allowed subsequent tinkerers to leave their mark before passing them on down the line. For Doug it was all about performance, pushing the limit, finding tougher terrain. What makes his story special though, is that this Jeeper ended up President of ARB North America. Yes, he finally bought a fridge freezer.
In 1995 a group of Land Cruisers amble across Moab terrain and unknowingly spark a fire within a young boy scout. Watching from behind mountain bike handlebars, he would soon learn to drive and chasing his passion for this legendary machine would take him across Baja finish lines and five continents before the age of 40.
We’re standing in a unique place at a unique time. American off-roading is a young adult, overlanding a teenager and those who swaddled and cradled them still walk among us. Interest in 4×4 is booming and, while we keep eyes on the road ahead, we pause now to recognize those who cut the trail.
In the adrenaline-fueled world of off-road racing, one name that resonates with power, precision, and passion is Bailey Cole. At just 25 years old, Cole has carved a remarkable path through the challenging terrains of rock racing, desert racing, and rock crawling, leaving a trail of victories and podium finishes in his wake.
