Ken Block Mourned by Car World

Ken Block Mourned by Car WorldMassimo Bettiol – Getty Images

Ken Block, prolific drifter, rally racer, and DC Shoes founder, died at the age of 55 after a snowmobile accident on Monday. The titan of tire smoke is survived by his wife, Lucy, and their three children. Block was an undeniable force in the automotive world, and played a massive role in bringing a new generation into the world of performance cars. Reactions to the tragic news have poured in from around the globe as fans and friends come to terms with the loss of the original Hoonigan.

“Ken was a lot of things to a lot of people.. but first and foremost he was an amazing family man. In all the times I’ve seen him on top of the podium, I’ve never seen Ken as genuinely happy and proud as he was this year, rallying alongside his wife and oldest daughter. Ken was the heart of Rally in the United States. The impact he had and will continue to have in our sport is larger than life. To me, Ken was a friend, a rival, a mentor, a boss, a business partner and a fellow family man who was more proud of showing me pictures of his kids go karting than he was of himself doing a worlds first in one of the many “coolest cars known to man” that he regularly drove the wheels off. Ken lived his life to the fullest. Cut too short like so many of the greats before him. Rest in Peace buddy. You will never be forgotten.” — Travis Pastrana, rally racer and Gymkhana driver.

“RIP to the man who changed the world of filming cars more than anyone else, Ken Block. Lucky to have sat next to him and watched the madness first-hand on many occasions, then absorbed all of the content. He was a true gentleman, and he showed me kindness at a time when I needed it. A shining talent gone far too soon. Thoughts with his family and his team at this incredibly sad time.” — Chris Harris, Top Gear host.

“What an incredible person to learn from, battle with and to admire over the last two decades. Ken’s influence on the automotive world cannot be quantified. In addition to pioneering a roadmap for the rest of us to follow in the marketing of Motorsport— @kblock43 was, above all else, a devoted family man. My heart and prayers go out to Lucy and the kids.” — Tanner Foust, Professional stunt driver and rally racer.

Story continues

“We lost a legend today in Ken Block. He inspired generations of automotive enthusiasts, and in the process he came to inspire all of us at Ford Motor Company as well. I was lucky to call Ken a friend. He was truly one of a kind – an innovator, a talented driver and a marketing genius. He personified the joy of driving, drifting and racing. He had a boundless imagination for creating special cars and special moments. Our hearts go out to his family during this time, and we mourn his loss together with the community he fed with his vigor and spirit.” — Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

“We’re sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ken Block, as well as the entire team that has worked with him. It’s hard to imagine an individual who had a greater impact on car culture and more importantly, was always a shining example of how we should treat one another. From fans requesting an autograph, to his tireless mentorship of upcoming athletes, and his stewardship of an industry he loved so much, Ken showed us not only what is possible with a car, but also what is possible as a human being. He will be greatly missed, leaving a gaping hole at the center of the automotive industry that may never be filled. Fortunately, Ken also leaves a magnificent legacy as a supremely skilled driver, entertainer, business mogul, and family man, and we will cherish that legacy forever.” — Formula Drift.

“We are gutted to hear the news of the passing of rally icon Ken Block. He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying. His stewardship within the ARA these past few years was invaluable and he will be forever missed.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Block family and everyone at Hoonigan.” — American Rally Association.

“Rest in peace buddy. It hasn’t sunk in yet and I can’t believe it’s real. You did so much for the sport and for your family. You built so much around the sport also with great people and brought in an entire new audience. Thanks for being so kind to Rhianon Gelsomino and I back in 2013 doing the Rally America series and even up to last year training Lia and joking around was a lot of fun. Big hugs guys.” — Brendan Reeves, rally racer.

“The impact this man has left on the motorsport world will resonate for generations to come. A visionary & a pioneer of all things Hooning, there really was only one Ken Block. My deepest sympathies to the Block family.” — Gus Greensmith, rally racer.

“DirtFish extends its deepest sympathies to Ken Block’s family and friends. There are no words powerful enough to do justice to the pain so many are feeling from the impact of this snowmobiling accident, but the rally world is here, we stand with you, and we we aren’t moving.” — DirtFish Rally School.

“I am very shocked to hear about the passing of US drift star Ken Block. Last time I meet Ken was during a great night filming his last action packed #Electrikhana film in Las Vegas in August. He was always friendly, genuine and full of passion for his pioneering driving, family and friends. He inspired – and will keep on inspiring millions – of motor heads who love our sport with his visionary films. My sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to Ken’s family and friends. RIP Legend” — Tom Kristensen, nine-time Le Mans Champion.

“Shocked and saddened to hear the passing of a true icon of our sport. A passionate racer and real pioneer that inspired so many of us. Rest in peace buddy. All my sympathies are with the family and friends.” — Thierry Neuville, rally racer.

“Damn this hits hard, Ken you have left a legacy, you inspired soo many people including myself and Linc, Linc lost his hero today and I lost an amazing friend, so many rad times and memories with ya sharing the same passion of building wild cars, shredding and entertaining the world, You will always be the KING. So many fun times with you and our kids in so many different countries. Love you bro still can’t believe we were just messaging about our hang’s next week in Japan I still find this hard to believe, Sending your family and team all the love we possibly have from the MADFAM.” — “Mad” Mike Whiddett, Formula Drift racer.

“Our sport lost a great man today. Ken was a visionary and a true legend who has inspired so many of us. Rest In Peace, Ken!” — Ott Tänak, 2019 WRC World Champion.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The @FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43.” — Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President.

“Want to know how big of a deal Ken Block was to me in my early days of racing/being a fan? In 2015, I used the same font on my truck as he did on the Hoonicorn in Gymkhana 7. Heartbreaking loss to the Motorsports world.” — Ryan Vargas, NASCAR driver.

I’ve been mostly off social media to focus on my health and well-being. Today I received news of the loss of a dear friend. I am devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing. He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest. I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel. Years ago we had an amazing time heli skiing and snowboarding in Canada. We held so much respect for one another. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Ken. — Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion.

Ken wasn’t just a driver, he was a builder. The star in the show he built.

The car film universe has exploded over the last decade. YouTube did for car films like MTV did for music videos. An entire industry that was built by the will of people looking to push their creativity with fast moving machines on screen. A perfect balance of art, speed, information, and business. That last element is where Ken and his team destroyed everyone else. Turning these car videos into a business that was at the forefront of new media. A true legend not just in the driver seat, but also making the business of it all work, while also adding his creative flair.

We all look up towards Ken and his team, and today, I feel for everyone in his life. Building brands, making great content, none of it possible without bringing the right people together and keeping them together. Ken did that. He’s a legend. Feeling for his family/friends and all those who he brought joy to.” — JF Musial, founder of TangentVector.

“Our love is with Lucy, Lia, Kira & Mika right now. We lost a great friend and they lost an amazing husband and father. Ken gave both Alex & I so many incredible opportunities. He was family to us 💔 RIP43” — Rhianon Gelsomino, ARA rally co-driver and wife of Block’s co-driver, Alex Gelsomino.

You Might Also Like