Publications
At a time when the Fast and Furious franchise took the world by storm and created a new generation of petrolheads two decades ago, Ken Block made his mark.
He began his rallying career in 2005 in a Subaru WRX STi for the Vermont SportsCar team.
What would follow is a legacy of pure adrenaline and crazy driving skills.
READ | Pro rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident
The rest, as they say, is history. He ventured into various sporting genres, co-founded DC shoes, and focused on his Hoonigan brand.
Block lived his brand, and his drifting and mad driving skills became an art form that was respected worldwide. His race number, 43, is one we'll cherish forever.
Block would have us all mesmerised and glued to the screen with his Gymkhana drift series videos on YouTube, gasping at his talent and plastering huge grins on our faces.
On Monday, he posted about his 16-year-old daughter Lia's first project car, an Audi Ur-Quattro, which would have gone live on Tuesday morning (3 January) on his YouTube channel.
Later that day he was killed in a snowmobile accident in Utah, leaving behind his loved ones and leaving his fans around the world saddened.
Here's just some of the posts on social media as the motoring community reacted to his death so far:
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. ?? pic.twitter.com/YdKcYrR44F
— Formula DRIFT (@FormulaDrift) January 3, 2023
This is heartbreaking. I was lucky enough to call @kblock43 a friend. He was truly a legend and inspiration to all of us at @Ford. pic.twitter.com/nVqZBM7mlX
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) January 3, 2023
I don’t think we knew how much of a moment we were witnessing when Colin McRae and Ken Block went head to head.
— Shane Pearce ?? (@ShanePearce) January 3, 2023
Both no longer with us, and the world is poorer for it. #RIPKenBlock pic.twitter.com/JBgdAp25q7
Ken Block was a legend and much of what he did inspired me to get into modifying Subarus and eventually get into motorsports. I can still remember many of the parts and pieces that went into that Gymkhana 1 car because it was so cool. Huge loss. https://t.co/Hi7LDMb2T4 pic.twitter.com/i08ZYxeOrl
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) January 3, 2023
World has lost one of it’s greats. Ken Block’s vision and talent created a whole new motorsports culture that so many of us admire and enjoy. My thoughts and condolences go out to Ken’s family and friends.
— Mattias Ekström (@mattiasekstroem) January 3, 2023
Rest in peace, Ken ?? pic.twitter.com/a7k8oVmaRb
In shock at the passing of Ken Block.
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) January 3, 2023
Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile.
Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man.
Sending love & hugs to the Block family ?? #ripKen. pic.twitter.com/6HNhfSfc3R
The World RX family is saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Block. His loss leaves a huge hole in our sport, but his legacy as a visionary and inspiration to millions around the world will live long. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Lucy and children. RIP Ken ?? pic.twitter.com/DwgU7X14Ec
— FIA World Rallycross Championship (@FIAWorldRX) January 3, 2023
When I think of Ken Block I’ll choose to remember this photo. He was one of the first racers I ever saw support the LGBTQIA+ community. As a young ace scared of coming out, seeing one of my heroes open up as an ally meant the world to me. His light will never disappear. pic.twitter.com/SU5pQmhD3E
— Michael Klein (@michaelklein10a) January 3, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/KUTgFtNTge
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 3, 2023
RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out. Here’s the airfield drifting piece from years back.https://t.co/4BVhlkxVrr
— James May (@MrJamesMay) January 3, 2023
Shocked and devastated to hear the news this morning. Can’t believe it. Sending love to his family ?? RIP Ken Block pic.twitter.com/BsYlGImwpY
— Sir Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) January 3, 2023
