Ken Block was an American rally driver, entrepreneur, and motorsports pioneer known for his high-octane driving style, viral Gymkhana videos, and deep impact on automotive culture. Born on November 21, 1967, in Long Beach, California, he co-founded DC Shoes before shifting his focus to professional racing. Block’s rally career took off in 2005, and he quickly became a dominant force in Rally America and the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Beyond racing, he revolutionized motorsports content with his Gymkhana series, showcasing jaw-dropping driving stunts that amassed millions of views worldwide. He also founded Hoonigan Industries, a brand that became synonymous with car culture and extreme motorsports.
Tragically, Block passed away on January 2, 2023, in a snowmobile accident, but his legacy continues to inspire drivers, content creators, and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.
Who is Ken Block?
Ken Block was an American professional rally driver, entrepreneur, and motorsports icon known for his fearless driving style, innovative marketing, and influence on automotive culture. Born on November 21, 1967, in Long Beach, California, Block initially gained fame as the co-founder of DC Shoes, a globally recognized skateboarding footwear and apparel brand. However, his passion for motorsports led him to transition into professional racing, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Block began his rally career in 2005 with Vermont SportsCar, and by 2006, he was competing in the Rally America National Championship, securing a second-place overall finish. Over the years, he earned multiple victories, including five consecutive wins at the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, surpassing the record set by rally legend John Buffum. He also competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC), achieving his best result in Rally Mexico 2013 with a seventh-place finish.
Beyond rallying, Block participated in extreme motorsports events like the Baja 1000 and Global RallyCross Championship (GRC). However, he became a household name through his Gymkhana video series, where he performed precision driving stunts in high-performance cars. These viral videos attracted millions of fans and transformed how motorsports were presented to mainstream audiences.
Ken Block Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Ken Block, the renowned rally driver and entrepreneur, had an estimated net worth of $100 million. His financial success stemmed largely from his role as a co-founder of DC Shoes, where he also served as Chief Brand Officer. In 2004, Quiksilver acquired DC Shoes for $87 million, leading Block to shift his focus toward automotive ventures. He later co-owned Hoonigan Industries, an apparel and lifestyle brand catering to car enthusiasts.
Early Life and Career
Ken Block was born on November 21, 1967, in Long Beach, California. From a young age, he developed a passion for motorsports, a love that would shape his career and legacy. Initially known for his entrepreneurial success as the co-founder of DC Shoes, Block eventually transitioned to professional racing, where he made an immediate impact.
His rally career began in 2005 with Vermont SportsCar, and by 2006, he was competing in the Rally America National Championship. Block quickly proved his talent, securing a second-place overall finish that year. Over the years, he amassed multiple victories, including winning the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood five times consecutively—breaking a long-standing record set by rally legend John Buffum.
Block’s skills and aggressive driving style earned him opportunities on the global stage. He competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with his best result coming in 2013 when he finished seventh at Rally Mexico. His passion for motorsports extended beyond rallying; he also participated in endurance events such as the Baja 1000, further demonstrating his versatility as a driver.
In addition to his racing career, Block was deeply involved in extreme sports, with a love for skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. His unique ability to blend action sports with motorsports helped redefine automotive culture, making him a globally recognized figure. His innovative “Gymkhana” video series showcased breathtaking driving stunts, attracting millions of fans and changing the way motorsports were consumed by audiences worldwide.
Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kenneth Paul Block |
| Born | November 21, 1967, Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 2023 (aged 55), Woodland, Utah, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Snowmobile accident |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Rally driver, entrepreneur, motorsports icon |
| Years Active | 2005–2023 |
| Racing Teams | Vermont SportsCar, Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford M-Sport |
| Notable Achievements | Five-time winner of Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, WRC competitor, 7th place at Rally Mexico (2013) |
| Business Ventures | Co-founder of DC Shoes, founder of Hoonigan Industries |
| Famous For | Gymkhana video series, extreme driving stunts, rally racing |
| Other Interests | Skateboarding, snowboarding, motocross |
| Legacy | Influenced motorsports marketing, car culture, and extreme sports |
| Spouse | Lucy Block |
| Children | Three daughters, including Lia Block (rally driver) |
Notable Achievements
Ken Block’s influence extended beyond competitive racing. In 2010, he co-founded Gymkhana Grid, an event designed to showcase precision driving skills. His viral Gymkhana video series showcased his extraordinary control behind the wheel, gaining millions of views and inspiring automotive enthusiasts worldwide. In 2014, he claimed victory in the all-wheel-drive category of Gymkhana Grid. Additionally, Block set a world record for the fastest snowcat with his modified Ford Raptor, the RaptorTrax.
Personal Life and Tragic Passing
Ken Block was married to Lucy Block, with whom he shared three daughters. His daughter, Lia, followed in his footsteps, beginning her own rallying career in 2021. By 2023, she had already made waves in the motorsports world, competing in the Extreme E series and continuing her father’s legacy of pushing the limits in off-road racing.
A visionary in the world of motorsports, Block was not only a highly skilled rally driver but also a pioneering figure in automotive culture. He co-founded DC Shoes, a globally recognized skateboarding footwear and apparel brand, before transitioning his focus to motorsports. His passion for high-performance vehicles and innovative driving led him to establish Hoonigan Industries, a brand synonymous with automotive excitement and adrenaline-fueled stunts. His “Gymkhana” video series, which showcased his unparalleled car control in a variety of extreme settings, garnered millions of views worldwide, revolutionizing the way motorsports were presented to mainstream audiences.
Tragically, on January 2, 2023, Block lost his life in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Woodland, Utah. While navigating a steep slope, his snowmobile overturned and landed on him, resulting in fatal injuries. He was 55 years old. His passing sent shockwaves through the motorsports community, with fans, fellow drivers, and industry leaders mourning the loss of a true icon.
Family Life
Ken Block was married to Lucy Block, with whom he shared a strong and supportive partnership. Together, they had three daughters, including Lia Block, who followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in rally racing. Lia began competing in 2021 and later raced in the Extreme E series by 2023, continuing her father’s legacy in motorsports.
Despite his high-adrenaline career, Block was known for being a dedicated family man. He often shared moments with his wife and children, balancing his passion for racing with his role as a husband and father. His family was an integral part of his life, and his influence extended beyond motorsports into personal mentorship, especially with Lia’s racing career.
Following his tragic passing on January 2, 2023, tributes poured in not only from the motorsports world but also from his close-knit family. His wife and daughters have continued to honor his legacy, with Lucy Block stepping into motorsports activism and Lia continuing to race professionally, ensuring that Ken Block’s passion for speed and innovation lives on through the next generation.
FAQs
Q: Who was Ken Block?
A: Ken Block was an American rally driver, entrepreneur, and motorsports icon known for his Gymkhana video series, rally racing career, and influence on automotive culture.
Q: What was Ken Block famous for?
A: He was famous for his rally racing, his viral Gymkhana stunt-driving videos, and founding Hoonigan Industries, a brand that revolutionized car culture.
Q: How did Ken Block die?
A: Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident on January 2, 2023, near his ranch in Woodland, Utah when his snowmobile overturned on a steep slope.
Q: Was Ken Block married?
A: Yes, he was married to Lucy Block, and they had three daughters together.
Q: Did Ken Block have children?
A: Yes, he had three daughters, including Lia Block, who followed in his footsteps as a rally driver.
Conclusion
Ken Block was more than just a rally driver—he was a visionary who transformed motorsports and automotive culture. From his Gymkhana videos to his success in rally racing, his influence extended beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans worldwide. His fearless driving, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to extreme sports made him a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy continues to thrive through his family, Hoonigan Industries, and the next generation of racers like his daughter, Lia Block. Ken Block’s impact will forever be felt in the worlds of motorsports and extreme sports.
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