The Shannons Club was saddened by the recent death of professional rally driver and global motorkhana megastar Ken Block in a snowmobile accident. He was 55.
The Californian competed in skateboarding, snowboarding, motocross and other high-adrenaline sports in his youth before progressing to rallying, becoming one of the top competitors in the US and one of few American drivers to score points in the WRC. However, it was his ability to showcase his driving skills in a way that would appeal to more than just dedicated rally enthusiasts that would make him a household name.
Block shot to international fame in a series of action-packed videos in which he performed a multitude of power-sliding motorkhana (aka gymkhana) routines with surgical precision in a variety of challenging locations. These programs became viral internet hits that amassed millions of views on YouTube.
His marketing acumen and ability to conceive and create captivating cars for his stunt driving attracted the attention of major car manufacturers including Ford (which featured in most of his videos) Audi and Subaru. Each enjoyed commercial partnerships with Block in enhancing the image of their brands – particularly in the eyes of younger generations.
As Torquecafe’s Stephen Ottley observed: “Before Block came along, we had been told for years that young people weren’t interested in cars because they preferred smartphones and computers and couldn’t see the appeal of buying their first car in the same way previous generations did.
“But Block changed that by appealing to them where they lived – on smartphones and computers. He made cars cool on the internet and in computer games, he made cars cool by doing fun stuff with them rather than focusing on specifications and statistics.”
Block’s global reach through digital consumption influenced global car culture in a unique and positive way thanks to his infectious mix of passion, enthusiasm and driving flair.
And by calling himself a “hoonigan” he cleverly combined and redefined two words often associated with anti-social or dangerous driving (in Australia at least) into a new word, which instead emphasised sublime driving skills displayed in a fun way in controlled conditions.
Block also harnessed the Hoonigan name to launch a new brand of clothing, which followed his success as co-founder of action sports footwear brand DC Shoes. More recently Block renamed his rally team the Hoonigan Racing Division, which underpinned his motor sport activities until his untimely death.
“Ken inspired generations of automotive enthusiasts,” wrote Ford CEO Jim Farley in his tribute to Block. “He was truly one of a kind – an innovator, a talented driver and a marketing genius. Ken personified the joy of driving, drifting and racing. He had a boundless imagination for creating special cars and special moments.”
Ken Block’s influence on the global automotive scene is immeasurable and though he left us way too early, his iconic videos will remain an enduring legacy. To his family, friends and millions of fans, the Shannons Club extends its sincere condolences.
