ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
Multiple sources have confirmed that rally racer and automotive icon Ken Block passed away on January 2 due to injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident. The pioneer of Gymkhana and co-founder of Hoonigan has passed away at the age of 55.
Hoonigan shared the news of Ken Block’s passing on his official Instagram account, writing, “It is with our greatest sympathies that we can report that Ken Block died tragically in a snowmobile accident today.” “Ken was not just a pioneer but also a visionary and an icon. And, maybe most significantly, a husband and a parent.
These photos include tales that relate to Block taking a ride on CanAm snowmobiles on January 2nd. However, his most recent post was about a project that he is working on with his daughter Lia, who is 16 years old.
Block was one of the most influential drivers of the 21st century. He was one of the first people to win Rally America’s Rookie of the Year title in his first rally season in 2005, and he was also responsible for forging new ground in online auto culture with his Gymkhana series of movies.
Not only did he attract a new audience in the United States to the sport of rallying, but he also taught an entire generation about the thrills of oversteering and created the Hoonigan brand into the all-pervasive power it is today.
If you go to practically any auto show in the United States, you will almost certainly find a vehicle that is sporting a Hoonigan sticker. Every part of the automotive world is affected in some way by the work that Block has done and his “send it” philosophy. ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
Block’s firm, DC Shoes, has always kept an emphasis on action and extreme sports, which combines perfectly with the lunacy of rallying. This is something you wouldn’t really anticipate from the co-founder of a shoe company to be one of the major faces of automotive culture.
After all, doing a double backflip on a BMX bike and going Mach Jesus through the woods both result in an increase in the body’s production of adrenaline.
Following the sale of DC Shoes to Quiksilver in 2004, Block decided to try his hand at rallying. He entered the 2005 Rally America season driving a Vermont SportsCar-prepped Subaru WRX STI. Block immediately shown his skill right out of the gate by achieving five top-five results and a podium in the Group A class in his first year of competition.
Block continued running fast on dirt throughout his career, competing in events like as Rally America, the World Rally Championship, and Global Rallycross. As a result, he brought a large number of new fans to the sport.
However, it is arguably not for his rallying that he is most known; rather, it is for his Gymkhana series, which is responsible for kindling the online auto culture. In contrast to the relatively low-fidelity of 2008’s Gymkhana Practice, which was released in 2009’s Gymkhana 2, things got off to a roaring start.
In an age when most online auto films consisted of still shots, Block made his name by going totally balls-out in a shipping yard and sliding his WRX STI anywhere he could put it. The result was a viral video that went viral over the internet. Since then, the video has received more than 53 million views, and it has truly laid the groundwork for an unbelievable sequence of films to come.
In addition to being an unstoppable force in Gymkhana, Block has also made appearances in the video game series “Dirt,” on the television show “Top Gear,” and in “Need For Speed” in 2015.
In addition, Block’s Hoonigan brand has developed into its own phenomenon, becoming a springboard for the careers of several individuals. Car culture wouldn’t be where it is now if it weren’t for Ken Block’s contributions to it. Throughout the evening, friends, coworkers, and admirers’ social media networks were inundated with tributes to the deceased individual.
Lucy, his wife, and their three children are the only people who will remember him after his passing.
The 55-year-old guy was a real visionary who had a love for all things extraordinary. He lived a dream that so many others all over the globe can only hope to one day achieve. As a result of his actions, he motivated millions of others to pursue their interests in racing.
Block, who was born in California and raised there, was a kid who was into extreme sports like skating and dirt biking when he was younger. In the beginning of his professional life, he decided to pursue a career in architecture due to his love in aesthetics and design.
However, after some time, Block came to the conclusion that the field of architecture was not the right fit for him. He quickly packed his belongings and moved to Colorado in order to pursue a career as a snowboarder. But he soon came to the conclusion that his own skill was restricted and that he would never be able to transform his lifelong love for snowboarding into a successful career, so he moved back to California.
Block, who had not yet given up on his dream of turning his passion into a living, enrolled in design school once again. While he was a student there, he struck up a friendship with Damon Way, who is the brother of Danny Way, the skateboarder. By working together to offer specialized clothes to snowboard stores in Colorado, they were able to merge their individual passions for aesthetic design with action sports.
In the year 1994, DC Shoes was established. The success of the company allowed Block to pursue his passion for rallying, which he did for the first time in 2005 while competing in the United States of America at the wheel of a Subaru.
His first appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship came in the 2007 Corona Rally Mexico, and it didn’t take him long to make his mark on the sport. ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
Because of Block’s growing prominence in the WRC, Ford offered him a contract in 2010 to compete for their Monster World Rally Team. This was Block’s first year with the team. He participated in a total of 25 WRC races, co-driven by Alex Gelsomino, and was adored for his flamboyant manner both inside and outside the vehicle. In total, he started the event.
Lucy, his wife, and their three children are the only people who will survive Block. His loss has left a significant void in our sport, and a number of prominent figures from the WRC have expressed their condolences.
Ott Tanak said, “Today, our sport has lost a magnificent guy.” Ken was a pioneering thinker as well as a genuine legend, and he served as an example to a great many of us. Rest In Peace, Ken!”
“Shocked and heartbroken to hear the demise of a real legend of our sport,” Thierry Neuville said in a statement. A fierce competitor and genuine trailblazer who served as an example to a great many of us. May you rest in peace, pal. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
“Can’t believe the news of Ken Block’s death that came out today,” said Hayden Paddon. Someone who has contributed so much to our sport should not have passed away at such a young age.
It was a real joy getting to work with you on certain occasions, but I can’t even begin to fathom how difficult this situation will be for your family and friends. Sending our warmest regards to each and every one of you!
Dani Sordo: “A challenging day for racing as well as other sports. I am so sorry for the loss that you have suffered, Block family and friends.
Ken Block
Kenneth Paul Block was an American professional rally driver who competed with the Hoonigan Racing Division, which was originally known as the Monster World Rally Team. He was born on November 21, 1967 and passed away on January 2, 2023. Block was also a co-founder of DC Shoes along with many other individuals.
In addition to that, he took part in a number of competitions in action sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. Block turned his business attention to Hoonigan Industries, a clothing firm aimed at vehicle enthusiasts, after selling his investment in DC Shoes. Before he passed away, he was a co-owner of the business and served in the role of “Head Hoonigan In Charge” (HHIC).
After 11 years of working together, Hoonigan Racing Division and Ford Performance announced in January 2021 that they would no longer be working together. In April, Block made the announcement that he will be rejoining Subaru in the next season. In September, Block made the announcement that he would be forming a new relationship with Audi for “joint initiatives in the realm of electric mobility.” This cooperation would focus on the development of electric vehicles.
Rallying\s2005
Block started his career in national rallying in 2005, when he joined the Vermont SportsCar squad. Block’s competition vehicle, a 2005 Subaru WRX STi, was prepped for him by Vermont SportsCar. His first rallying competition of the year was Sno*Drift, and he ended up placing seventh overall and sixth in the Group N class there.
Block finished the 2005 season with five results in the top five, which earned him a third-place overall finish in the Group A class and a fourth-place overall finish in the Rally America National Championship. Ken Block was the recipient of the Rally America Rookie of the Year title at the conclusion of his first year competing in rallying.
2006
Block and Travis Pastrana, who competed alongside Block on the DC Rally team, secured a new sponsorship agreement with Subaru in the year 2006. Because of their partnership with Subaru, the group of coworkers now goes by the name “Subaru Rally Team USA.”
At X Games XII, he took part in the X Games rally competition, which was the event’s debut. Block ultimately came in third place and was awarded the bronze medal for his performance in the tournament. After that, he continued his racing career by taking part in the Rally America National Championship in 2006, where he ended up finishing in second place overall.
2007
Block was a competitor in the X Games XIII rally competition in 2007, where he finished in second place overall and was awarded a silver medal. Bl ock earned the third place overall finish in the Rally America National Championship in 2007. Bl ock competed in a few of events of the World Rally Championship during this season, including Rally Mexico and Rally New Zealand. Block has two stage timings that were in the top five for the Group N category at the Rally New Zealand. By the time 2007 came to a close, Block had racked up a total of 19 podium finishes and 8 overall triumphs in rally competitions.
2008
In the year 2008, Block was given the opportunity to participate with a brand-new, specially prepared 2008 Subaru WRX STi. Block made the decision to participate in the Rallye Baie-des Chaleurs, which is part of the Canadian Rally Championship, so that he could acquire some experience driving his brand-new rally vehicle from 2008 and be ready for the World Rally Championships later in the year. The event was Block’s first victory in a rally competition in Canada. ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
This was the brand new vehicle’s very first appearance at an event. Because neither Block nor his co-driver had a valid Canadian competition license, they were unable to earn any points toward the championship during the competition. Block participated in the Rally New York USA competition and ended up winning the event.
Block finished in a tie for third place with Dave Mirra in the rally competition that was part of the X Games XIV. This incidence took place as a result of both racers experiencing difficulties with their vehicles.
After landing the vehicle awkwardly on a jump, Block had issues with the radiator, which prevented him from advancing further in the competition.
Block was a competitor in the Rally America National championship in 2008, which came to a close on October 17th of that year. After a dominant win in the final competition, he came in second place overall in the competition. Block completed the stage of the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) more than a minute ahead of his next closest rival, which allowed him to earn the second place overall position. The next three races in the World Rally Championship for Block to compete in are coming up soon.
In 2009, Block made an appearance in an episode of the television program Top Gear. Block is the creator of the popular video on YouTube titled “Gymkhana 2.”
2010
In 2010, Ken Block severed his ties with Subaru and signed on with Ford to take part in the World Rally Championship with Monster World Rally Team. There, he drove a Ford Focus RS WRC 08 alongside his longtime co-driver Alex Gelsomino. Block’s affiliation with Subaru came to an end in 2010. Therefore, Block became the very first American driver in the history of the sport to compete in the World Rally Championship.
After placing ninth in Spain, he was awarded two points for his efforts. In addition to that, he competed in an open class Ford Fiesta for the sixth season of the Rally America Championship and participated in his fifth X Games.
2011
After rolling their Ford Fiesta RS WRC on the shakedown stage of the 2011 Rally de Portugal in Faro, Portugal, on March 23, Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino were both brought to the hospital for treatment after the accident. After some time had passed, a spokesperson of the Monster World Rally team confirmed that both of the guys were in good health. He finished in eighth place in France and in ninth place in Wales, earning a total of six points.
2013
Block did well in the opening race of the 2013 season, hitting the top ten in the Mexican rally. As a result, he received his first six points toward the championship and finished in seventh place overall, which was his best performance ever. ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
2014 was the year when Castrol resumed its role as Block’s sponsor. He took part in the WRC that was held at Catalunya, which is located in Spain. He was in 10th position up until the last stage, when he had a flat tire and lost a large amount of time as a result. Now he is in 20th place. At the end of his 12th and last season competing in the WRC, he ended in 12th place.
X Games Rallycross Competition
Between the years 2011 and 2015, the American rallycross team Block was a participant in the Global RallyCross Championship. He finished in second place in 2014, third in 2013, and fifth in 2012, and he amassed a total of six victories and 15 podium finishes. [source: missing citation]
His comeback to the sport on a full-time basis for the 2018 Americas Rallycross Championship saw him finish on the podium twice and place fourth overall in the points standings.
Rallycross competition in Europe
In 2014, Block won the Norway round of the European Rallycross Championship and came in third place in the Norway round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
In 2017, he had a high result of seventh place in Britain and France. Overall, he finished ninth in points.
Gymkhana
In 2009, Block participated in an episode of Top Gear for the BBC that included James May driving in a Gymkhana-style competition on Block’s stunt course at Inyokern Airfield, an operating airport in California. Ricky Carmichael was also a part of this episode. Block drove the featured vehicle from the previous episode, a Reliant Robin, around the Top Gear test circuit in the year 2010. He rolled the vehicle, which prevented him from completing a lap but did not harm him in any way.
Block published the first installment of a three-part video release titled Gymkhana 3 on August 24, 2010, and it included his brand-new Ford Fiesta. ken block deathblock rally ken championship place competition
YouTube hosted the premiere of Block’s third Gymkhana video on September 14, 2010, which featured a Ford Fiesta as the vehicle of choice.
Block uploaded the fifth installment of his Gymkhana series on YouTube on July 9, 2012. The video shows Block driving a Ford Fiesta through San Francisco while Travis Pastrana rides a dirt bike in the background. After only one day, the video had accumulated 5.1 million views, making it the most popular video of the seven days leading up until that point.
Locations
Other forms of racing and related activities
Block and his colleagues from DC Shoes took part in the Gumball 3000 Rally that year (2005).
Block and Brian Scotto were both competitors in the One Lap of America event that took place in 2006. They completed the race with a 2006 Subaru WRX STi as a team, which was good enough for forty-fifth place overall.
In 2006, for the program Stunt Junkies on the Discovery Channel, Block jumped his Subaru WRX STi rally vehicle a total distance of 171 feet (52 meters) and reached a maximum height of 25 feet (7.6 meters).
Block became a member of the DC Shoes Snowboarding squad in 2007 and began training at the Snow Park in New Zealand.
In 2014, he triumphed in the all-wheel-drive competition, besting Jake Archer in the championship match.
Video games
Players get access to a number of his Monster World Rally Team cars, including the Ford Fiesta GYM 3 and the Ken Block Ford Focus WRC.
