Erica Sacks – 2017 KOH Racer
Featured Ladies Racers

Erica Sacks – 2017 KOH Racer

King of the Hammers Lady Driver Bio for Erica Sacks

Erica Sacks 2Driver of Record: Sara Price
Co-Driver: Erica Sacks
Age: 29
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Class: UTV Qualifying (Saturday) & UTV Race  (Wednesday)
Car Number: 123
Team Name:  Teryx Girls

How do you know your Driver? Sara is basically family, she has been dating my brother.  We have been friends forever and competed in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles together.

How many times have you raced King of the Hammers?  This will be my 2nd time racing, both times with Sara in the UTV.  The whole experience is memorable, but the most was going pre-running and seeing how everything was so big, including Hammertown.

How did you get into Ultra4 Racing?  After Sara and I did the Gazelle race, we decided that we wanted to do every type of racing to highlight the Terxy's ability.  We had done a little rock crawling, but not on purpose. Ultra4's King of the Hammers was the closest option we had to rock crawl.

Erica Sacks 2What has been your most exciting achievement in Ultra4 racing?  Last year we didn't finish, but we did well and worked our way to 4th physically.  Just being at the start line is an achievement.

What does race prep look like in your world?  Exercise is really important in this race because I am the navigator.  Last year I knew what I was in for, but not the extent.  I do a lot of circuit training trying to get the most reps in as possible.  Living in Southern California I go on hikes and mountain biking.  This year I added brisk walking on the treadmill with 8 pound weights in each hand trying to mimick hauling MaxTrax.  I think I hiked 12 miles last year!  I usually eat pretty healty, but focus a little better for 2 months ahead.  

We usually prep the Teryx at Sara's house, but this year Kawasaki is prepping the vehicle for us.  Sara does all the sponsor work, but I help with what I can.

What are you looking forward to at this years King of the Hammers?  I don't do racing for the recognition, I do it because I love it.  The cool thing is that the racing I've been doing with Sara are all different and have led to other amazing opportunities.  I look forward to going to King of the Hammers to meet more people to network and meet with sponsors. 

What are your goals for this years King of the Hammers?  Finish!  Finishing is a huge deal, one of the biggest accomplishments you could ever have.

Erica Sacks 2What excites you about racing? Everything!  Getting to know the car through prep and learning it's limits.  I get to race with my best friend Sara and push myself to my limits.  We get to explore different places, the desert is amazing with all types of different scenery.  Of course going fast is fun and meeting new people is awesome.

What is your role as a Co-Driver?  Being a co-driver is stressful.  During the desert section I am calling truns.  In the rocks, I'm doing everything you can to get through without breaking or getting stuck.  Helping get the car around or over the rocks and pulling winch line.  It's so rewarding to be able to say we got it done.  Last year, if our car was 100%, I don't think that I would have gotten out.  I was constantly moving MaxTrax - getting the car going as far as it could, and then moving them again.  I think I had more miles on my feet than on the car.

Erica Sacks 2What is a piece of advise that you have been given?  "Don't rely on anyone for anything.  Be as prepared as you can for yourself."  While prepping for the Gazelle Rally we got to talk with Robby Gordon who gave me that advise.  I have also have a lot of moments that I have kept from Emily Miller, the most memorable being: "Every problem has its solution."

Tell us about the Team that Supports you.   Friends, family and sponsors.  We have some really cool sponsors that will help us with anything including pit support.  Chrissie Beavis, Nichole Chaos, Dad, Mom and boyfriend plus others from all over the place that help us.

SPONSORS:
• Kawasaki
• IMG Motorsports
• SuperATV
• Optimas Powersports
• PCI Radios
• Raceline Wheels
• Arisun tires
• K&N Air Filters
• Coyote Ent.
• PRP Seats
• KC HiLites
• Walker Evans Shocks

Erica Adds: Thank you to our fans and community, without you guys we would not have been able to participate in the incredible events we have. My family for supporting me through all my crazy ideas. Mentors Emily Miller and Chrissie Beavis, you ladies have taught me rad skills and have given some of the best pep-talks before and during rallies. Sponsors who help with essential parts and funds to make the Teryx Girls the Total package. 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/TERYXGIRLS
Instagram: www.instagram.com/esacks71

Erica Sacks 22016 King of the Hammers Story on UTVUnderground.com: CLICK HERE

Official Bio:  Erica Sacks is 29 years old out of Canyon Lake Ca is a full time college student working on a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Lab Science. She has been involved in off road for 16 years racing trophy karts, UTVs, limited and unlimited buggies and recently stated co-driving in rally racing. Erica is the navigator of the Kawasaki Teryx Girls with teammate Sara Price who competed in a 9 day navigation rally through the Sahara desert using only an out dated map and compass (GPS and electronics were prohibited) and the largest off-road race in North America, King of the Hammers navigating and winching through sandy dry lake-beds, rough open desert terrain and technical jagged rock canyons filled with rock climbing obstacles. She began co-driving in rally racing with mentor Chrissie Beavis at the 2015 Gorman Ridge rally. Since then she has competed in 2 other rallies working her way up from p-stock, open lite and open 2WD classes winning 5 of 6 stages including a 1st overall at 2016 The Prescott rally.


Author: Erica Sacks