Ken Block is a professional rally driver and co-founder of DC Shoes. Ken Block is best known for his high-speed driving stunts and tire-smoking drifts, which he has showcased in his "Gymkhana" video series on YouTube. With over 14 million subscribers on the platform, the series has helped make Block a household name among fans of action sports and automotive culture.
In addition to his work with DC Shoes and his successful YouTube channel, Block has also competed in various rallies and rally cross events around the world. Ken Block has won numerous awards and accolades for his driving skills and has established himself as one of the top names in the sport.
Aside from his professional career, Ken Block is also known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He has supported a number of causes and organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Overall, Ken Block is a multifaceted individual who has made a name for himself as a successful rally driver, business owner, and philanthropist.
Early life and career of Ken Block
Ken Block was born on November 21, 1967, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in the nearby town of Huntington Beach and developed an interest in skateboarding and other action sports at a young age.
Block began his professional career in the 1990s as a co-founder of DC Shoes, a footwear and apparel company that caters to the action sports market. He helped build the company into a successful and well-respected brand and remains a partner and owner to this day.
In addition to his work with DC Shoes, Block also began competing in rally and rally cross events around the world. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled and aggressive driver and began to attract attention from sponsors and fans.
In 2005, Block formed the Hoonigan Racing Division, a team that competes in various rally and rally cross events. He has raced for the team in various vehicles, including a Ford Focus RS WRC, a Ford Fiesta ST RX43, and a Ford Mustang RTR.
Block has achieved numerous victories and accolades throughout his career, including multiple podium finishes in the World Rally Championship, the X Games, and other high-profile events. He has also won awards for his contributions to the sport, including the 2010 World Rallycross Championship for Drivers.
Achievements of Ken Block
One of the key events that helped put Ken Block on the map as a professional driver was the release of his first "Gymkhana" video in 2008. The video, which featured Block drifting and performing high-speed stunts in a Subaru WRX STI, quickly went viral and attracted millions of views on YouTube.
The success of the first "Gymkhana" video led to the creation of several more installments in the series, each of which has been viewed millions of times and helped to further establish Block as a leading figure in the world of action sports and automotive culture.
In addition to the "Gymkhana" series, Block has also had a number of other notable achievements and breakthroughs in his career. These include multiple podium finishes in the World Rally Championship and the X Games, as well as his 2010 World Rallycross Championship for Drivers.
Overall, it can be argued that Block's breakout moment was the release of the first "Gymkhana" video, which helped to introduce him to a wider audience and establish him as a leading figure in the world of rally driving and action sports.
The signature style of Ken Block
Ken Block is known for his aggressive and high-energy driving style, which is characterized by tire-smoking drifts and tight, precise turns. He is also known for his willingness to push the limits of what is possible behind the wheel, as evidenced by the high-speed stunts and trick maneuvers he performs in his "Gymkhana" videos.
One of Block's signature moves is the "figure-eight donut," in which he spins his car in a tight, continuous circle, leaving a trail of smoke behind him. He is also known for his "360-degree spin," in which he spins his car around in a full circle while maintaining control and balance.
In addition to these moves, Block is also known for his ability to drive a variety of different vehicles, including rally cars, rally cross cars, and even monster trucks. He has demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a driver by competing in a range of different events and disciplines, and has shown a willingness to try new things and push the boundaries of what is possible on the track.
Overall, Ken Block's signature style is defined by his aggressive and high-energy approach to driving, as well as his versatility and adaptability as a driver. These qualities have helped him to stand out in the world of rally and rally cross, and have contributed to his success and popularity as a professional driver.
Successes of Ken Block
Ken Block has achieved numerous successes and accolades throughout his career as a rally and rally cross driver. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Multiple podia finish in the World Rally Championship: Block has competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) on several occasions, and has achieved multiple podium finishes in the process. He has finished in the top three at events such as the Rally of Sweden, the Rally of Portugal, and the Rally of Finland.
2010 World Rallycross Championship for Drivers: In 2010, Block won the World Rallycross Championship for Drivers, becoming the first American driver to do so. He achieved this feat by driving a Ford Fiesta ST RX43 for the Monster World Rally Team.
Multiple X Games medals: Block has also competed in the X Games, a series of extreme sports events that feature competitions in a variety of disciplines. He has won multiple medals in the rally cross event, including gold medals in 2010 and 2011.
Record-breaking runs: In addition to his podium finishes and championship titles, Block has also set a number of records with his driving. In 2011, he set a Guinness World Record for the "Fastest Vehicle Drift" when he achieved a speed of 103.6 mph while drifting a Ford Fiesta ST RX43. He has also set records for the longest jump in a rally cross car and the longest jump in a four-wheeled vehicle.
Overall, Ken Block has established himself as a successful and accomplished rally and rally cross driver, with numerous victories and accolades to his name.
Personal life of Ken Block
In addition to his professional career as a rally and rally cross driver, Ken Block is also known for his personal interests and activities outside of driving. Some of the things that are known about his personal life include:
Family: Block is married and has two children. He has often spoken about the importance of family in his life and has credited his wife and children with supporting him in his career.
Philanthropy: Block is known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He has supported a number of causes and organizations over the years, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Hobbies: Outside of driving and his work with DC Shoes, Block is also known to have a number of hobbies and interests. He is an avid skier and has spoken about his love of skiing in the past. He is also known to be a fan of music and has been involved in the production of music videos in the past.
Overall, while much of Ken Block's public image is centered around his professional career as a driver, he is also a multifaceted individual with a range of personal interests and activities outside of racing.
Death of Ken Block
"In a statement, the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office said that Ken Block was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident in Utah, where he had been riding on a steep slope. The snowmobile upended and landed on top of him, causing injuries that were fatal. Block was riding in a group at the time of the accident, but was alone when it occurred."
0 Comments