Ken Block - Remembering an Icon

When I first heard the news that rally and gymkhana icon Ken Block had died, aged 55, I felt an immense wave of grief. For years, and while growing up, Ken Block had been an inspiration and he had a huge input in sparking my passion for cars. I actually saw Ken Block in action once, and it despite my young age at the time, it is a moment that I remember vividly. The 2013 Adelaide Clipsal 500 featured Ken Block as a special feature, in which he demonstrated his skills in the 2011 Ford Fiesta ST Gymkhana Three car. Watching him pull off incredible drifting moments including a reverse-entry into the hairpin corner were remarkable. However what he undertook in Adelaide was a walk in the park for him.

Over the span of his career, Ken Block has attempted some simply mind-boggling stunts. The Hoonigan Gymkhana series is one of the most iconic automotive feats of recent times, and will forever illustrate the immense talent that Ken Block held. I remember my first impressions when seeing Hoonigan Gymkhana Seven, with the Hoonicorn tearing down the suburban streets of Los Angeles. There's a certain scene which has stuck in my mind since the premiere of the film, and it's none other than the famous Randy's Donuts clip, which is both humourous and skillful. However, although maybe an unpopular opinion, my favourite Hoonigan work was Climbkhana Two, featuring the bonkers Hoonitruck. To me, this film had it all: picturesque landscapes, dangerous stunts and an awesome car. What more could you want? On top of all this, Ken Block also partook in never-before-seen action such as powersliding up the entirety of the Pikes Peak Hillclimb, doing donuts in an all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron inside a Las Vegas casino, jump-drifting infront of a train and so much more

It is still hard to grasp the fact that Ken Block is no longer with us. His passion for the automotive scene was unmatched, and I believe that anyone with his level of skill will never be seen again. He was the face of the rally and gymkhana movements and will forever remain a legend. Rest in Peace Ken Block, you will be greatly missed.