The FIA and WRC have agreed to retire number 43 for the 2023 WRC season to honour Rally Icon Ken Block.
Why This Was The Right Call
The sudden and tragic passing of legendary Rally Driver Ken Block has left the world of Motorsports in shock. The decision by the FIA and WRC to retire Ken’s number 43 for the 2023 season was an easy one. This is due to Ken’s enormous impact on the sport of rally. Most of us wouldn’t even know what Rally or Rallycross is without Ken. There’s also a chance we wouldn’t have the ARA today if it weren’t for Ken’s impact on the sport.
Who Else Could Follow Suit?
It’s likely that the WRC won’t be the only championship to retire Ken’s 43. As the American Rally Association, World Rallycross Championship and Nitro Rallycross will likely follow suit. With each of the championships having its own reason as to why.
American Rally Association
For the ARA the decision to retire Ken’s 43 should be easy and come without much thought. As Ken was somebody who made rallying in America popular. As well as helped many of the current drivers and teams learn and grow within the sport. Ken was somebody who helped shape the Subaru Rally Team USA into the monstrous rally team they are today.
World Rallycross Championship
Ken’s impact on the World Rallycross Championship hasn’t been as large as it was on rally. However, Ken was somebody who did compete in the championship and mentored Andreas Bakkerud among others. As well as helped the championship gain popularity in North America.
Nitro Rallycross
Much like the World Rallycross Championship, Ken’s impact on Nitro Rallycross wasn’t as big as rally. However, there are many reasons Ken’s 43 could be retired by the championship. With the biggest being that NRX is the brainchild of Ken’s longtime friend and rival Travis Pastrana. Add that along with the fact that NRX star Andreas Bakkerud was mentored by Block in the World Rallycross Championship. As Well as Ken competing at the inaugural NRX event.
Paying Respects
Within the first 24 hours of Ken’s passing thousands upon thousands of Motorsports fans paid their respects to Ken via social media. The fans were joined by many current and former rally drivers, Rallycross drivers, NASCAR drivers, and many more around the Motorsport world. There will likely be some sort of event to honour Ken as well as tributes at the Race Of Champions, Rallye Monte Carlo and Nitro Rallycross Quebec. All of which take place this month. Ken’s co-driver and longtime friend Alessandro Gelsomino got a tattoo of Ken’s 43 to honour Ken. Ken’s wife Lucy and Daughter Lia also got matching tattoos to honour Ken.
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.
