Kenneth Paul Block (November 21, 1967 – January 2, 2023)

A Life in Fast-Forward

The loss of Ken Block is inconceivable. He was not just a racer or a TV figure; he changed automotive culture. To skim over his biography is impressive enough. After co-founding the successful skate shoe company DC Shoes, Ken Block decided to try rally racing, inspired by his friend Travis Pastrana. He was almost 40 at the time, and within a year was finishing in the top 10 in his class. He lived life in fast-forward, partnering with winning co-driver Alex Gelsomino, medaling at the X Games, and participating in five different rally series over the next two decades. At the same time, he was appearing on television shows like Top Gear and Stunt Junkies and racing one-off events like One Lap of America.

Perhaps most life-changing, for Block and all of us, was the start of the Gymkhana video series, which began as a marketing exercise for DC. It might be difficult now to remember the days before Block's Gymkhana, when "drift" to the mainstream was something tectonic plates did, and if you drove a Subaru, you wouldn't get out of bed for a Mustang, let alone a lowrider.

Block wasn't alone in blurring the lines between different racing disciplines and automotive cultures, but nobody did it with a larger audience. The Gymkhana videos scrambled car culture for the better, encouraging a mix of interests, and introducing young drivers to rare models, and legendary roads, like Pikes Peak. Block's incredible car control lured us in, but what keeps us coming back is his obvious love and enjoyment, not just of his own cars and skills, but of all the supporting drivers, riders, and those behind the cameras capturing the images. His joy was contagious, and it was clear that he wanted to share it.

Ken Block lived life unbound. He merged skateboarding with rally cars with lowriders. He moved effortlessly between the roles of marketing mogul, serious competitor, and family man. Heck, he didn't even follow the rules of gravity. His influence was needed, and will be missed.

Block is survived by his wife, Lucy Block, and their three children.

Rest in Power !

I'm absolutely gutted to hear about Ken Block's death. I've looked up to Ken Block in a lot of ways through my life and I'm heartbroken to think that he won't be there any more. I wish nothing but peace and comfort for his family and friends.

My brother sent this to me 😭💔 true though

First time cutting HTV vinyl with my Cricut machine and applying it onto a hoodie. We used a friend's heat press and the hoodies came out good! We made a tribute to Ken Block #ripkenblock

This got me all excited to invest in my own heat press and start making custom appeal. I'll make designs and see if there would be any interest, and do a pre order.

RIP Ken Block

Sad news today with the passing of Ken Block. His main collaborator Brian Scotto sums it up RIP Ken you’ll be missed

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Another big freesports legend gone. Ken Block was the ultimate showman. Hoon in heaven, dude!!

DC and Ken Block present Gymkhana FIVE: Ultimate Urban Playground; San Francisco  (2012)

RIP Ken Block 🌹 RIP Jake Phelps 🌹

Ken Block. WRC, Hoonigan, WRX and X Games legend, Ken Block, has passed away at the age of 55 Godspeed Legend!

R. I. P

RIP Ken Block | 1967-2023

Gymkhana 6

Ken Block, November 21, 1967 – January 2, 2023. Incredibly sad news today of the death of rally legend Ken Block. Most recently he caused a stir in the “Electrikhana” on the streets of Las Vegas in the all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron developed especially for him and his team. Ken Block started rallying in 2005 and competed in multiple seasons of the Rally America National Championship. Hoonigan Industries, the company that Block founded, broke the news in a statement published to social media. “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”

RIP Ken Block

Rest in Peace, Ken Block