Remembering Ken Block
Besides being an role model and internationally respected #legend to millions the world over, Ken Block was a professional rally driver whose spirit lives on in many motoring enthusiasts throughout the world. We take a look at the man the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) called 'Inspirational'.
Kenneth Paul Block, born November 21, 1967, was a professional rally driver who rose to internet fame with his astonishing “Gymkhana” stunt videos on YouTube. As well as being a well respected #legend, Block was an accomplished American professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division, formerly known as the Monster World Rally Team. He also competed in many action sports events, including skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross.
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Born in Southern California in 1967, Ken Block spent his younger years immersed in surf culture and the emerging skateboarding and snowboarding arenas. He also designed clothes and shoes until 1994, when he co-founded DC Shoes, an apparel brand largely targeted at skate and snow boarders.
By the early 2000's, Ken Block had expanded his interests into the automotive space. In 2004, Ken sold the company to Quicksilver in a deal reported to have been worth nearly $90 million and promptly begun his rally career in 2005. His skill and car control became quickly apparent and Block aptly won the Rookie of the Year award that season in the Rally America Championship driving a Subaru WRX STi. In 2006, Block along with his rally teammate Travis Pastrana, signed a new sponsorship deal with Subaru through which the teammates became known as "Subary Rally Team USA". With his newly prepared 2006 WRX STi, he managed to close the year with a 2nd overall place finish in the 2006 Rally America National Championship.
In the 2007 Rally America National Championship, Block finished third overall. During this season, Block also entered in a few rounds of the World Rally Championship (WRC ); Rally Mexico and Rally New Zealand. In Rally New Zealand, Block recorded two top-five stage times in the Group N class and ended 2007 with 19 podium finishes and 8 overall victories in rally events.
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