Kenneth Paul Block (November 21, 1967–January 2, 2023) was an American professional rally driver and one of the most well-known figures in rally racing and automotive culture. His life was an exhilarating combination of high-speed racing, entrepreneurial enterprises, and adrenaline-fueled exploits. In this detailed study, we will look at Ken Block Net Worth, early years, fascinating career, personal life, awards, and achievements.

Ken Block Net Worth

Early Years

Ken Block, born on November 21, 1967 in Long Beach, California, grew up with a strong interest in extreme sports. Growing up, he was very active in skateboarding, which influenced his daring approach to motorsport. Block transitioned from skateboarding to motorsports in the early 2000s.

Ken Block was not only a rally driver, but also one of the co-founders of DC Shoes, a well-known skateboarding and action sports footwear company. His business mentality drove him to build a brand that appealed to both athletes and aficionados.

Career

In 2005, Block embarked on his national rallying career with the Vermont SportsCar team. His debut event at Sno Drift showcased his talent, earning him the Rally America Rookie of the Year award.
Block’s partnership with Subaru resulted in the formation of the Subaru Rally Team USA. He competed in the 2006 Rally America National Championship, securing second place overall.

Ken Block competed in the X Games XIII rally event in 2007, finishing second overall and collecting a silver medal. In addition, he finished third overall in the 2007 Rally America National Championship and competed in a few rounds of the World Rally Championship, including significant results in Rally Mexico and New Zealand. By the end of the year, Block scored 19 podium finishes and eight overall victories in rally events.

In 2008, Block obtained a new rally-prepared 2008 Subaru WRX STi and competed in a variety of events to gain experience with the new vehicle. He won his first Canadian rally, the Rallye Baie-des Chaleurs, and placed first in the Rally New York USA competition. Despite some difficulties in the X Games XIV rally competition, where he tied for third place, Block finished second overall in the 2008 Rally America National Championship.

Block featured on Top Gear in 2009 and made the popular YouTube video “Gymkhana 2”. The next year, he signed with Ford to participate part-time in the World Rally Championship with Monster World Rally Team, becoming the first American driver to do so. Block also continued to compete in the Rally America Championship, winning the rally in the 100 Acre Wood.

Block and his co-driver were engaged in an incident at the Rally de Portugal’s shakedown stage in 2011, although both were unhurt. He finished eighth in France and ninth in Wales in the World Rally Championship, earning 6 points.

2013

In 2013, Block scored his first six championship points and finished seventh overall at the Mexican rally, his best finish ever. The next year, he competed in the WRC in Catalunya, Spain, ending in 12th position after getting a tire puncture in the final stage.

Ken Block has competed in both the American and European rallycross championships. He earned remarkable achievements in the Global RallyCross Championship from 2011 to 2015, finishing second in 2014, third in 2013, and sixth in 2012. During this time, he earned six victories and 15 podium places.

Block returned to the Americas Rallycross Championship full-time in 2018, finishing on the podium twice and ranking fourth in points.

Block earned success in European rallycross in 2014, coming third in the FIA World Rallycross Championship Norway round and winning the European Rallycross Championship’s Norway event. In 2016, he participated full-time in the World Rallycross Championship, finishing third at Hockenheimring, Germany.

Block is also recognized for his Gymkhana videos, which have received millions of views on YouTube. These videos show Block completing complicated driving maneuvers in a variety of locales with his Ford Fiesta. Notably, he appeared on BBC’s Top Gear in 2009, where he demonstrated Gymkhana-style driving. He continued to make Gymkhana films, and the third installment, with his new Ford Fiesta, had over seven million views in its first week. Subsequent videos, including “The Hollywood Megamercial” and a San Francisco edition, highlighted Block’s driving abilities and received millions of views on YouTube.

Other Vetures

Ken Block’s career displays his adventurous attitude and penchant for pushing limits. Block has always sought out adrenaline-fueled adventures, from competing in the Gumball 3000 Rally in 2005 with his DC Shoes teammates to performing risky exploits for the Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies. His participation in events such as the One Lap of America competition and the DC Shoes Snowboarding squad in New Zealand demonstrates his adaptability and eagerness to pursue new paths of pleasure. Despite setbacks, such as a spine injury received in a collision in New Zealand in 2007, Block’s enthusiasm for adrenaline-fueled activities remains unwavering.

In addition to his real-life exploits, Block has made a huge impact in the virtual world of video games. His appearances in Codemasters’ Dirt racing series, as well as collaborations with Need for Speed and the Forza brand, have solidified his reputation as a gaming superstar. Furthermore, his partnership with CSR Racing 2 and the inclusion of his hallmark automobiles in several racing games demonstrate his long-standing presence in the gaming business. Block’s cooperation with Rotiform and Fuel Off-Road to create distinctive wheels goes beyond gaming and demonstrates his continuous commitment to automotive innovation and style.

Personal Life

He married Lucy Block, and they have three children. Block was an active participant in action sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross.

Death and Legacy

Ken Block tragically lost his life in a snowmobile accident in January 2, 2023, at the age of 55 in Woodland, Utah, United States.

Block’s legacy goes beyond the checkered flag. His daring deeds, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for speed have inspired generations of motorsports fans. Whether tearing up rally circuits or pushing the frontiers of inventiveness, Ken Block will be remembered as a true speed and style hero.

Awards and Achievements

Ken Block’s X Games results range from 2006 to 2015. In 2006, he finished third and earned a bronze medal. The next year, he improved to second place and received a silver medal. In 2008, he finished third again and won another bronze medal. His performance decreased marginally, and he finished seventh in 2009. In 2010, he finished 10th in rally racing and seventh in rallycross. He placed 11th in rally racing and 13th in rallycross in 2011. In 2012, he finished second and won a silver medal. The next year, he finished eighth in Foz do Iguaçu, second with a silver medal in Munich, and sixth in Los Angeles. In 2014, he finished 12th, and in 2015, he was 11th.

Among his notable accolades are recognition as one of the top rally drivers in the world, and the honor of being named one of the most influential figures in motorsport by various publications. Additionally, Block’s Gymkhana series has garnered widespread acclaim and has become a cultural phenomenon, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the world of motorsport and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ken Block

1. How did Ken Block pass away?

Block tragically lost his life in a snowmobile accident in January 2023.

2. How did Ken Block become famous?

Block gained fame as a competitive rally driver, participating in championships such as Rally America and Global Rallycross. However, he achieved global recognition through his Gymkhana video series on YouTube.

3. What is Hoonigan Racing Division?

Hoonigan Racing Division is Block’s racing team, which competes in various racing series, including the World Rally Championship and Rally America Championship.

4. What action sports did Ken Block compete in?

Block was a versatile athlete, participating in sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross alongside his rally career.

5. What was Ken Block’s role in DC Shoes?

Block was one of the co-founders of DC Shoes, a popular skateboarding and action sports footwear brand.

6. What business venture did Ken Block pursue after DC Shoes?

After selling his ownership of DC Shoes, Block shifted his focus to Hoonigan Industries, an apparel brand catering to auto enthusiasts.

7. What was Ken Block’s role at Hoonigan Industries?

Block served as the co-owner and “Head Hoonigan In Charge” (HHIC) at Hoonigan Industries before his untimely passing.

8. When did Ken Block start his rallying career?

In 2005, Block began his national rallying journey with the Vermont SportsCar team.

9. What was Ken Block’s debut event in rallying?

His debut event was Sno Drift, where he finished seventh overall and fifth in the Group N class.

10. What award did Ken Block win in his first rallying year?

Block was honored with the Rally America Rookie of the Year award.

11. Which team did Ken Block co-found with Travis Pastrana?

Block and Travis Pastrana co-founded the Subaru Rally Team USA.

12. What is Ken Block’s net worth?

Ken Block’s net worth is around $200 million.

13. Does Ken Block have any children?

Block has three children with his wife, Lucy Block.

14. What other championships did Ken Block compete in?

Apart from Rally America and Global RallyCross, Block also participated in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the FIA ERX Supercar Championship.

15. What was Ken Block’s role in Hoonigan Racing Division?

Block was the founder of Hoonigan Racing Division, formerly known as the Monster World Rally Team.

16. What awards has Ken Block won?

Block has won multiple X Games medals, and his Gymkhana videos have received widespread acclaim. He has also been recognized as one of the most influential figures in motorsport.

Conclusion

Ken Block, the rally driver turned entrepreneur, amassed a fortune, thrilled fans, and left an enduring legacy in the world of motorsports.