Rally driver and motorsports legend Ken Block, best known for being the co-founder of both DC shoes and Hoonigan Industries, has tragically passed away at age 55 in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Utah on Monday. His snowmobile reportedly upended while going up a steep slope, landing on him. Block was found dead at the scene.
Early Career
Ken Block started his climb to fame in 1994 when he co-founded the skateboard shoe company DC shoes. But he truly exploded onto the scene when in 2004, he sold the company in order to pursue his rally career. In 2005, he debuted in Rally America and was recognized as Rookie of the Year. In 2010 he left Subaru and formed the Monster World Rally Team, which he later renamed the Hoonigan Racing Division in 2012. Throughout his rally career, he racked up numerous wins, many podium finishes, and five X Games medals.
Gymkhana and Hoonigan Industries
Ken became a viral sensation in 2009 when he released the first installment of his Gymkhana series videos. These videos feature extreme examples of precision stunt driving using a variety of cars. The Gymkhana series was taken to the next level when Block and his team began building custom machines specifically for Hooning. Starting with the legendary Hoonicorn, a custom all-wheel drive 1965 Mustang, Block built a line of internet-breaking vehicles, including the Hoonitruck and the insane 1,400 hp Hoonicorn V2. By the end, there were 10 Gymkhana videos in total, and Hoonigan Industries had amassed over one billion views, becoming one of the most popular automotive YouTube channels in history.
Cultural Impact
Hoonigan Industries became a cultural phenomenon in the world of auto enthusiasts. Block brought mainstream attention to the world of Rally through his exploits in a way that no one else could. His influence on the automotive world will be felt for generations to come, with Hoonigan Industries being a staple of automotive culture and lifestyle.
Ken Block is survived by his wife, Lucy Block, and their three daughters. Lucy and his eldest daughter Lia are also rally drivers and have even raced alongside him in the 2022 American Rally Association Championship.
Rally driver, visionary, caring father and husband, legend, Ken Block.
Rest in peace.
