The MetalCloak Stampede, held June 6, 2014, at Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, California, turned out to one of the hottest ULTRA4 races to date. And we mean that in two ways: not only were the temperatures above 100 degrees, but the racing action kept the fans on their feet and competitors and crews on their toes.

The main event saw two former, and one current King of The Hammers drivers each leading at various times throughout the 45-minute race. That is until the final lap, when Tom Wayes look the lead, after working his way through the entire pack from a rear start to claim the victory, and his first ULTRA4 win.

Image: Bower Media

It was a roller coaster weekend for Wayes. He started off well, with the fastest qualifying lap on Friday morning, but his race car had mechanical problems, and he did not make Friday afternoon’s preliminary races.

Loren Healy had the fastest time in Friday afternoon’s preliminary heat, so he sat on the pole for Saturday’s main event, with Shannon Campbell starting beside him. To see highlights of the breakneck action, check out the “>ULTRA4 video above.

Campbell and Healy, both two-time Kings, dominated the early main race. Campbell was the early leader with Healy right on his bumper, and 2009 King Jason Scherer running third. A full course yellow mid-race brought the pack together, but unfortunately, as soon as the action began again, Campbell bicycled in a tight turn and hit a k-rail, causing a mechanical failure.

Healy lead for a while, but Scherer soon took over until the last lap when his car also fell to mechanical issues. Wayes had been steadily working his way up all this time, and in that last lap, made his move.

Image: Bower Media

It was Healy and Wayes fighting it out to the end, both setting blisteringly fast lap times. As a matter of fact, in the final two laps, Wayes posted the two fastest lap times of the entire weekend, leading to his first ULTRA4 checkered flag.

In addition to the premier 4400 class, Saturday’s racing also featured the 4500 Rubicon Express Modified Class, the 4600 Pro Comp Stock Class, the Legends Class and UTVs. Jordan Townsend scored the 4500 win. In the 4600 stock race, Ben Varozza claimed the top spot. Jessi Combs followed up her win in the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge race with another win in the Legends Class. In the UTV sportsman class, Phil Cagliero too the win.

The next ULTRA4 event will be the second race in the 4WD Hardware Eastern Regional Series that features the ULTRA4 race vehicles at Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana, June 26th and 27th, 2014. The next Trail-Gear Western regional event will be the 4th annual Glen Helen Grand Prix in San Bernardino, California, July 11th and 12th. 2014. For more information and dates on upcoming ULTRA4 Racing events go to its website.