Just two days into the new year tragedy has already struck. As Rally Icon Ken Block has tragically passed away in a snowmobile accident.
Who Was Ken Block?
Ken Block became an icon in the Motorsport world. After selling his shares of DC shoes a company in which he Co-founded to pursue a career in a sport he loved. Ken was inspired by many rally drivers, one of which being Colin McRae. McRae’s flat-out driving style got Ken hooked onto rally.
Ken’s Rally Journey
Subaru Rally Team USA
Ken would go on to join the Subaru Rally Team USA for the 2005 Rally America season. Where Ken would place fourth that season and be named the Rally America rookie of the year. Ken would continue to race for Subaru Rally Team USA until 2009 when he left the team to join M-Sport. During Ken’s time with Subaru, he would place second in the 2007 and 2009 seasons. As well as starting this little series called Gymkhana, which you may or may not have heard of it.
Monster World Rally Team
Ken would create the Monster World Rally Team in partnership with M-Sport. The 2013 season would see the Monster World Rally Team change its name to Hoonigan Racing Division, the name it is still called to this day. That season would also see Ken Block return to Rally America full-time for the first time in a year. The 2013 season would also see Ken battle David Higgins for the Rally America championship. The battle would go right until the final event of the season, the Lake Superior Performance Rally. Unfortunately for Ken, a massive roll on day one ended his rally and thus ending his hopes of a championship win. Ken would once again leave Rally America at the end of the 2013 season to race Global Rallycross full-time. Ken would continue to race Rallycross full-time until the end of the 2017 season.
Leaving Ford
In 2021 Ken Block would split from Ford ending a decade-long partnership. A partnership which gave Ken the opportunity to build cars such as the Hoonicorn and the Hoonitruck, as well as bring Gymkhana to the next level. Ken would make his full-time rallying return in 2021 as well. As he would pilot a Vermont Sportscar built 2021 Subaru WRX STI, the same cars being used by Subaru Rally Team USA. Ken would pilot his Subaru to second overall in the championship, finishing the season 33 points behind longtime friend and rival Travis Pastrana.
Ken would once again race the American Rally Association championship full-time in 2022. This time it would be in a different car, however. What may that car have been? The answer is a 2019 Hyundai i20 WRC, a car that could surely push Subaru to its limits, and that it did. As much like in 2013, Ken would find himself in a final event battle. This time however it would be against Brandon Semenuk, not David Higgins. However, the results stayed the same nonetheless as a crash on day one ended Ken’s hopes of winning the ARA championship.
Ken Block’s Legacy
Ken Block will leave a massive legacy behind him. As he is a primary reason Rally and Rallycross have become popular, especially in North America. Ken was somebody who inspired many around the world, with his just ain’t care attitude toward things. That’s what made Ken Block who he was, and that’s what inspired many to follow in his footsteps.
Ken won’t be remembered because of championships. He’ll be remembered for what he did for the world of rally and Rallycross and the world of Motorsport as a whole. Ken’s legacy will live on for as long as Motorsport is around, and even potentially after that. He was somebody who chased his dreams and did the things he loved. Ken was somebody who made time for things he loved while also being a husband, a father and many more things. He inspired a generation of Motorsport fans and will be a name that is likely never forgotten.
A Name For The History Books
Ken showcase the world of Motorsport to thousands upon thousands of people from around the world. Whether that be through his Gymkhana videos on YouTube or out there on the stages of a rally, or inside a Rallycross track. Even if you didn’t watch Motorsport you’ve still probably heard the name Ken Block somewhere. Ken was a mentor to many drivers, including his own daughter Lia. He was also a fierce competitor to every other driver on the stages. He was somebody who touched the hearts of rally and Rallycross fans around the globe. Ken was a lighthearted person off the stages and a force to be reckoned with on them. Ken Block is a name for the Motorsport history books, and name that surely won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
