At King of the Hammers 2025, performance isn’t optional—it’s a lifeline. Cory from SKT Customs took this to heart with his 2019 RAM 1500, a truck that started life as a daily driver and evolved into a desert dominator. Outfitted with R1 Concepts performance brakes, Cory’s build tackled the legendary Johnson Valley terrain with confidence and control.
From Commute to Crawl: A RAM 1500 Off-Road Evolution
Cory originally bought his 2019 RAM 1500 for commuting—no wild mods, just a simple truck. Fast forward five years, and that mild-mannered pickup is now a full-on trail beast. With an aggressive stance, lifted suspension, and high-performance components, it was ready for war in the California desert.
“We got the R1 Concepts brakes on there… drilled and slotted rotors. The truck’s performing pretty dang good.”
To keep up with the demands of high-speed desert driving and sudden elevation changes, Cory equipped his truck with R1 eLINE Silver Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors, designed to deliver consistent stopping power even under extreme heat and dust.
The Game-Changer: Stainless Steel Extended Brake Lines
After installing a 3-inch rear lift, Cory quickly discovered his stock brake lines were limiting full suspension droop—putting him one bad bounce away from disaster.
“When it was fully drooped, the brake lines were super tight. The last thing you want is to break a line out here and lose your brakes.”
Thanks to R1 Concepts stainless steel extended brake lines, that problem was solved. Not only do these lines handle more articulation, but they also improve brake feel and durability—critical in unpredictable off-road environments.
King of the Hammers: The Ultimate Proving Ground
Located in California’s Johnson Valley OHV area, King of the Hammers is one of the most brutal off-road courses in the world. The trail covers 165 miles of treacherous rock crawling, sand washes, steep inclines, and open desert flats.
It’s a real-world lab where driver skill and mechanical reliability are pushed to the absolute limit. This is where brakes matter—every second, every corner, and every unexpected obstacle.
Confidence Through Performance
On the trail, confidence comes from knowing your rig is dialed in. For Cory, that meant a full braking setup that didn’t flinch under pressure.
“There were a few turns where I came in hot, and I had to trust the brakes to grab—and they did. The six-piston calipers are a world of difference over stock.”
With upgraded braking power and extended travel, the RAM could hit higher speeds without compromising safety. From tight rock gardens to high-speed desert straights, stopping power was never in question.
Why Off-Road Braking Isn’t Just About Stopping
In the world of off-roading, braking isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about control. On uneven terrain, your brakes are part of your navigation. Drilled and slotted rotors help prevent fade, clear debris, and maintain responsiveness when it matters most.
That level of performance allows off-roaders like Cory to push harder, go faster, and drive with peace of mind—even when the terrain fights back.
Community, Camaraderie, and Custom Builds
Cory didn’t come alone. The SKT Customs crew rolled deep—RAMs, Gladiators, 4Runners—all built with purpose and passion. Their fleet wasn’t just for show; it represented a community bonded by dust, drive, and the pursuit of performance.
“Seems like my mini boss in his Gladiator… She’s one of our newest ambassadors this year.”
Each build in the lineup was a story in itself. But they all had one thing in common: a commitment to pushing limits and running quality parts that can take the heat—like the R1 Concepts gear under Cory’s truck.
Built to Perform, Proven in the Desert
Whether you’re lifting your daily or building a trail-slayer from the ground up, don’t overlook the most important part of performance—your brakes. From extended lines to race-ready rotors, R1 Concepts gives you the control you need when it counts.
Ready to upgrade your off-road stopping power? Explore the full range of R1 Concepts performance braking systems, built for the terrain that breaks the rest.
