Remembering Ken Block: The Rally Driver Who Helped Define Car Culture for a Generation

It's with a heavy heart that we share the news that Ken Block, the rally driver turned extreme sports star and cultural visionary, passed away on Monday, January 2, at the age of 55, following a snowmobiling accident in northern Utah.

Block was a true legend in the world of car enthusiasts. His daredevil stunt driving and Hoonigan brand helped define car culture for a generation, and he constantly pushed the limits in everything he did. From rallying to drifting to hill-climbing to creating the iconic Gymkhana videos, Block always found new ways to thrill and entertain his fans. He co-founded the Hoonigan lifestyle, video, and apparel brand in 2010, bringing millions of young enthusiasts into the fold with its madcap energy and focus on having fun.

Block's career was incredibly diverse and full of accomplishments. He co-founded DC Shoes in 1994 and went on to compete professionally as a skateboarder and motocross racer. In 2005, he burst onto the rally scene in Rally America, eventually earning a spot in the World Rally Championship (WRC). In 2010, he set up the Monster World Rally Team, becoming the first American to compete in the WRC. At the same time, he was running in multiple rallycross championship series and filming his first Gymkhana videos under the Hoonigan banner, which are widely considered to be some of the most incredible driving showcases ever created. His success and skills made him a go-to stunt driver in the industry, and he appeared in numerous TV specials, video games, and on Top Gear.

Even in his later years, Block was far from done. He took a shot at a Pikes Peak record in June of last year and was preparing for another attempt when he passed away. He announced a new partnership with Audi and debuted the first "Electrikhana" video, featuring a wild electric Audi S1 Quattro restomod. And in 2022, he ran in the American Rally Association Championship alongside his teenage daughter Lia.

Block's passing leaves behind a wife, three children and a significant impact on car culture. He was revered as a genuine and authentic individual with a deep passion for cars, a highly skilled driver, and a devoted husband and father. His death leaves a void that will never be filled. May he rest in peace and be greatly missed.