Remembering Ken Block

A snowmobiling accident claimed the life of Ken Block, 55, over the New Year’s holiday weekend. Known worldwide for his car control, his ability to race in the World Rally Championship (WRC), customarily not an arena where Americans are successful and for his showmanship in Gymkhana videos that grew more eventful with every attempt, Block’s accident and subsequent death shocked the motorsports world.

Announced Monday night on Instagram, Block’s Hoonigan Racing team’s statement said, “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And more importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.” Lastly, the statement requested: “Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”

Local law enforcement gave more details on the accident that claimed Block’s life. “On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2PM, the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area. Search and Rescue, along with all enforcement from Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service responded.

“The driver, Kenneth Block, 55-year-old male out of Park City, Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended, landing on top of him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.” While Block was riding with a group at the time, he was alone when the accident occurred.

In addition to his career in WRC and Global Rallycross, where his car control abilities were stellar, Block was also the co-founder of DC Shoes, which produces specialized footwear for action sports, such as the endeavors in which he excelled. Block began his career in rally racing in 2005 and, while he never did score a rally championship, Block did finish runner-up three times and is one of a very few Americans to score points in WRC, most recently in Mexico nearly 10 years ago. He also secured five X Games medals in the tournament’s rally division.

Gymkhana videos 1-10 were Block’s biggest claim to online fame, showing him driving Ford rally-prepped cars around and through buildings, on city streets that had been closed for this express purpose and venues that had never actually been used for the purpose before – or since. The agreement between Ford and Block terminated in 2021 after 11 years; he then returned to Subaru rally cars. There is a Gymkhana 11, with fellow adventurer Travis Pastrana taking over the driving chores in a Subaru, with more than 800 horsepower, which was prepped by Vermont Sportscars. 

The American Rally Association (ARA), in a Facebook statement, paid its tribute to 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.” Even the president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, himself a rally racer, posted to Twitter: “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 depot. The @FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. RIP @kblock43.”

Block’s cause of death will be determined by Utah authorities. Known as much for his kindness and generosity as for his daredevil vehicular tricks, he will be missed. Ken Block is survived by wife Lucy and three children.