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Ken Block remembered

Published: 04 January 2023
  • Ken Block in one of his race cars
    Ken Block in one of his race cars
  • Ken Block
    Ken Block
  • Ken Block posing with an X-Games trophy
    Ken Block posing with an X-Games trophy
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The motorsport world is mourning the loss of rallying sensation Ken Block, who passed away on Tuesday 2 January following a snowmobile accident.

The co-founder of DC Shoes became an online sensation with his spectacular Gymkhana videos, sliding highly tuned cars between obstacles in a range of iconic locations, including central San Francisco, Pikes Peak, and the Las Vegas strip.

A statement on his company website, Hoonigan Industries, read: “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident.

Ken Block posing with an X-Games trophy

“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”

Gaining over one billion millions views on YouTube and drawing many new motorsport fans, his films attracted a number of two-wheeled stars, including former motocross sensation Travis Pastrana who was the first rider to land a double backflip at the X Games.

Block himself was also a fan of motorcycles and rode motocross bikes for fun.

Ken Block

Posting a tribute on social media, Pastrana said: “Ken was a lot of things to a lot of people… but first and foremost, he was an amazing family man.

“Ken was the heart of Rally in the United States,” he continued. “Ken lived his life to the fullest. Cut too short like so many of the greats before him. Rest in Peace buddy. You will never be forgotten.”

Another rider paying tribute was 12-time AMA Motocross and Supercross Ricky Carmichael, who said: “I have no words. Life doesn’t make sense at times. I’m heartbroken, and I hurt for his beautiful kids and wife. Gonna miss you KB.”

Our thoughts are with Ken Block’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.

By Dan Sutherland

News Editor - I joined the MCN team straight from studying at the University of Sheffield, starting out as Acting Consumer Editor, before becoming the Senior Online Reporter, Senior Writer and more recently the News Editor. Although my first love will always be performance bikes and racing, I have a passion for all things two-wheeled. I did my Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) on my 16th birthday and passed my full test around a year later. I now cover around 20,000 road miles a year on motorcycles of all genres and in all weathers. I have also experienced elements of advanced rider training, tackled countless UK and international short circuits and achieved an ACU race licence to begin a fledgling competition career.