About Us

At our core, we’re a group of friends that became family through racing.

Our story started in 2018 when Zandy went to his first King of the Hammers. He always had a passion for off-roading, but being on the lakebed took his love of the sport to a new level. Eight months later he was buying a car and Rufus Racing was born. Since then, our team has grown to having multiple cars competing in different classes, friends from all over the country, and a focus on helping bring up the next generation of the sport and seeing it grow.

We lost Zandy in a crash during the Crandon race in 2022. Even though he’s no longer physically with us, we can feel his spirit and presence at every turn. Now we strive to live life the way he did – to the absolute fullest – and carry on his legacy in the sport and beyond.

DONKEY

THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL

Just eight months after going to KOH, Zandy bought Doug Jackson’s old car and started Rufus Racing. Fast forward another three months and they were hauling it to the lakebed to compete in our first Hammers. It’s the one car that Chip, Zandy, and Pip have all driven.

The one thing that’s always stood out about Donkey was how much she kicked. When it came time name her, the group consensus was that Donkey seemed like the most fitting choice.

2013 Tribe16 Solid Axle Chassis
800HP+ Gromm Racing LS Engine
Gearworks Transmission
40 Spline Drivetrain with Wilwood Brakes
Holley Engine Management
40” Maxxis Tires & Vision Forged Manx Wheels

IRENE

THE COMPETITION CAR

When Zandy bought this car, the running joke was that whoever was doing better from race to race should get to drive it. But Chip lucked out because Zandy loved Nightmare and how it drove, so Irene primarily went to him.

To know how Irene’s name came to be, you have to hear the story in Zandy’s words. But the premise is he wanted a name that went with Donkey, and somehow landed on Irene.

2017 Tribe16 IFS Chassis
800HP+ Gromm Racing LS Engine
Gearworks Transmission
40 Spline Drivetrain with Wilwood Brakes
MoTeC Engine Management
40” Maxxis Tires & Vision Forged Manx Wheels

NOT YET NAMED

THE YOUNG GUN

The newest car of the fleet, driven by the youngest member of our team. A few months after Ang and Scott bought the car in the summer of 2024, Scott had it completely torn down, was making improvements, and had it ready to race again.

The car – and driver – have worked hard, securing a podium spot in its first race and a top 10 KOH finish for its second. But we’re still waiting for the car’s name to come to us.