By now you’ve probably heard that Ken Block was killed in a snowmobile accident. Details remain scarce, but the incident took place earlier today in Utah. He was 55.
The man was a motoring icon. We say this not just because of his skill behind the wheel and an endless list of accolades, but for bringing the joy of tire-shredding to millions of people—both gearheads and casuals—through his Gymkhana video series and social media presence.
His cars weren’t the vehicle for his success, though. In fact, we think it was the other way around. It was his passion for his craft and larger-than-life personality that propelled his stunts and rides over the top, literally and figuratively.
We’re still kind of at a loss for words here, so we’ll let his career on video do the talking. Here are our 10 favorite Ken Block moments. Rest in peace, Ken. Enjoy that endless supply of fresh tires up there.
The one that started it all
For many, their first encounter with Block’s tire-shredding madness was this: A practice video shot on an empty airfield featuring the man’s 2006 Subaru WRX STI. Memories.
Random YouTube drag battles
No, not that kind of drag battle. Block never needed his Gymkhana video series to showcase his insane rides, In fact, a lot of his juiciest content came courtesy of random drag races uploaded to the official Hooligan YouTube channel.
Shredding with Joey
Block takes Matt LeBlanc on a tour of London using the Hoonicorn Mustang. Madness ensues.
The Hoonicorn’s last ride
Block bids farewell to his exclusive partnership with the Ford Motor Company by taking the Hoonicorn out for a spin. Shame we never got to see him rep the brand again.
OTHER KEN BLOCK STORIES YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ:
One look at the ‘Hoonipigasus’ and you already know it’s a Ken Block car
Ken Block’s Ford F-150 Raptor would be a major violation magnet in PH
Ken Block takes on Los Angeles
With a whopping 57 million views racked up since it was uploaded eight years ago, Gymkhana 7 is arguably the most successful installment in the entire series.
Electrikhana
We guess it still counts as long as rubber’s being burnt to a crisp, right? For the environment! Oh, and Audi, too.
Risking life and limb at Pikes Peak
Block’s no stranger to Pikes Peak. Still, we have to imagine some of the stunts here might have made him break a sweat. Or maybe that was just us.
Some classic Top Gear
And here’s block doing his thing with James May sitting in the passenger seat for Top Gear 13. Damn, we feel old.
Conquering China’s most dangerous road
The thought of taking on an endless stream of mountain twists and turns in a 914hp Ford probably appeals to you. In reality, you’re likely to lose your lunch.
Gymkhana goes global
Block going toe-to-toe with Dubai’s world-famous police cars? This is Gymkhana at its peak if you ask us.
