While most people know Ken Block through a decade of Gymkhana videos, my experience with him predates all that. I first met him in 2006 at SnoDrift Rally, which was part of the Rally America series at the time. It was only a brief “hello” when I picked up the poster from Subaru’s desk at a Saturday service in the small Michigan town of Atlanta, but he was as humble as he was swift on a slick stage.
I was fortunate enough to have dinner with him and the Ford team in 2010, also at SnoDrift. We talked about the Mk II Escort, plans for Gymkhana 3, and he was totally cool when the restaurant busted everyone’s food orders. I was flattered when he remembered me in 2013, back for a cold start to the Rally America season at SnoDrift. I enjoyed his adventures in the Gymkhana, but I know Block as a rally star – starting at the age most racers retire, going on to win dozens of events. It’s hard to think of anyone else who thoroughly brought together the worlds of racing, marketing and social media to become an international star.
His sudden departure on January 2nd certainly shocked the automotive community. That Motor1.com Tim sends his condolences to his fans and friends around the world, and especially to his wife Lucy and their children. We had more than a few conversations today about some of our favorite Ken Block moments, and we want to share some of them now.
You won’t find a prouder father than Block, sitting in the passenger seat of his Escort Gymkhana car while his daughter Lia, then 13 years old, learns to be like him.
Block’s first EV experience was actually driving a Mustang Mach-E, but his partnership with Audi opens new doors for future Hoonigan antics. He ended up working with Audi engineers to build the monstrous S1 Hoonitron, which he then piloted around Las Vegas in his final Gymkhana video. But it starts with some practice parking on a standard E-Tron RS.
Gymkhana 2
Block’s first Gymkhana video was released in 2008 and went viral beyond imagination. It will always be the go-to clip for Block fans, but the follow-up has a special place in our hearts because, unlike most sequels, it didn’t disappoint one bit.
London Tour With Matt LeBlanc
Although not an official Gymkhana video, 10 minutes Upper Equipment the clip helped the famous auto show transition into the LeBlanc era with lots of tire smoking action thanks to Block and the Hoonicorn Mustang.
Do you want to see a real kid in a candy shop? Block’s partnership with Audi really opened the door for some of the most iconic race cars of all time, including Walter Roehrl’s Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2.
With a garage full of fast Fords, Block and the Hoonigan team traveled the world to film five different cars in five locations. This is arguably Block at his peak in the Gymkhana fold, and it also marks the passing of the torch to Travis Pastrana.
There’s no way we can put together all of his greatest hits so we leave it up to you, Motor1.com reader. Do you have a favorite Ken Block moment? Please share in the comments and join us in remembering this legend.
