Remembering Ken Block: #KB43ver

Remembering Ken Block: #KB43ver

It's hard to imagine a world without Ken Block leaving us all in awe at his latest automotive stunt. The influence that Block had on the automotive world as we know it cannot be understated. He was one of the first pioneers to bring skateboarding culture and fashion into our car world at such a massive scale with DC Shoes. He was a visionary, and an icon of our car community. More than that, he was a friend, a father, and a family man. Those who knew Ken personally have had only beautiful and touching things to say about the man himself, sharing bits of wisdom he had left with them over the years.

Many readers and viewers probably think of Gymkhana videos when they hear the name Ken Block, but Block's history in the car world started many years before the first Subaru-slinging Gymkhana video ever went viral. From Rookie Of The Year honors in his first Rally America Championship in 2005, to several X Games medals and rallycross podium finishes, points in WRC, and so much more, Block was a decorated American motorsports legend.

Block was also partially responsible for Hoonigan's creation, as well as its global success. The Gymkhana video series, as well as all of its associated videos and edits, achieved superstar status worldwide and made Ken Block a household name - even among non-enthusiasts who recognized that crazy driver from those viral videos doing stunts in his cars.

It's hard to imagine anyone else having such influence over the car culture of multiple generations. Ever since founding DC Shoes, he knew the power of making a visual impact, and that is something that translated to his own personal style, his videos, and his vehicles. He had a penchant for the bold, the daring, and the extreme, and he wasn't afraid to let that shine in his successful motorsports marketing endeavors. Online car content and the culture that surrounds it was almost entirely shaped by Ken Block in some form, be it directly or indirectly. We know he will live on in hearts of enthusiasts everywhere, as well as in the plethora of breathtaking content he leaves behind.

15 02 2013 Cover

As you might imagine, Block was no stranger to PASMAG. From having us out to the first ever Ken Block Gymkhana Invitational in 2010, to the time he sat down with us for an interview in 2013 (video here), to the time he came to Toronto to share some tire slaying with us, he was always down to stop and chat with you as if you were his longtime friend. He even appeared in PASMAG's print issue 15.02 in May 2013. On the sidelines of rallycross bleachers, in the pits, and at numerous shows he attended with his sponsors, he was always talking to, and recognizing, the fans who made him the icon he is. The tire marks he left on our industry, and our lives, will last forever. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

We'll miss you, Ken.
#KB43ver

Related Articles

PAS365 #Rally2FD - Toronto to Englishtown PAS365 #Rally2FD - Toronto to Englishtown
Join us for an exhilarating weekend road trip as PAS365 proudly organizes the Rally 2 FD, taking you from Toronto to Formula Drift: Englishtown, NJ...
MCP Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Spoiler for Tesla Model 3/Model S MCP Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Spoiler for Tesla Model 3/Model S
Mackin Carbon Products’ pre-preg carbon fiber spoiler for Tesla Model 3 and Model S is available in three different types of carbon fiber: wet carbon...
Renault R5 Turbo 3E E-Tech Renault R5 Turbo 3E E-Tech
After some intriguing teasers, Renault Group revealed the R5 Turbo 3E E-Tech, a 100% electric tribute to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo 2 which is...
Don’t Call It A Comeback: Brandon Rendon 1998 Acura Integra LS Don’t Call It A Comeback: Brandon Rendon 1998 Acura Integra LS
Building something from the ground up yourself can bring you the highest highs in terms of satisfaction, but losing it all in one fell swoop can put...
Neil Tjin Has Big Plans For This One! Neil Tjin Has Big Plans For This One!
Neil Tjin has a long history building sport tuner cars, and his most recent project has us stoked. He recently took possession of an S15 Silvia that...
No Doors. No Care.: Christopher Simpson's 2008 Nissan 350Z No Doors. No Care.: Christopher Simpson's 2008 Nissan 350Z
With no intentions in modifying the 2008 Nissan 350Z much, the tide turned for Christopher Simpson when he was rear-ended in an accident. He started...