A pioneer, a legend, an icon – all these terms of endearment take a lot of work to be earned. They aren’t bandied around too easily, and only a select few in history make them their own. NASCAR, and the world in general, lost just that as Ken Block passed away.
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The motorsport world was fond of Ken Block. After all, he was one of the most iconic rally car drivers. But for the racing world, he was much more special. The 55-year-old had raced for the Hoonigan Racing Division and Monster World Rally Team.
In recent years, he had also become a very successful YouTuber. His Gymkhana series on the video-sharing platform earned him subscribers in the millions. The series showed Block attempting some mind-blowing racing stunts. Block had also ventured into some businesses of his choice, most famously DC Shoes and Hoonigan Industries; both were clothing brands.
His untimely death came as a result of a snowmobile accident in Utah. As reported by BBC, his company announced on Instagram, “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
The American Rally Association too released a statement after his passing, “He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying.”
Block, survived by his wife, Lucy, and their three children, left the world much saddened. He will be missed.
NASCAR continues to share the grief of his death
Since his death, the tributes and messages of grief have continued to flow in. They continue to inundate social media.
I wanted to grow up and be like Ken Block. Originator, wheelman, fun haver and the coolest firesuit wearer ever. Rest easy 🐐
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) January 3, 2023
At Monster Energy we are always family. At the 2014 Monza Rally Show, we all got to share some stories and laughs from around the world. It was a privilege to get to know @kblock43 through the hard working, ass kicking, trophy winning family of @MonsterEnergy. RIP KB43 pic.twitter.com/OBczs9yJVA
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) January 4, 2023
I had the opportunity to hang out with @TheHoonigans a few weeks ago while I was in Los Angeles.
Thinking of them, @HooniganRacing and Ken Block’s family, friends and fans. You are missed, Ken. pic.twitter.com/USDCJutNGs
— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) January 3, 2023
Went trough my workout this morning appreciating each and every breath, not taking any second for granted…heavy on my heart this morning are the families of Damar Hamlin and Ken Block 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
— Daniel Hemric (@DanielHemric) January 3, 2023
Legend. Icon. Thank you for the memories Ken Block. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
These photos are from Ken’s appearance at Bristol in the 2013 Global Rallycross Event. pic.twitter.com/t5YgW9kh5q
— Bristol Motor Speedway (@BMSupdates) January 3, 2023
Ken was a legend in the motorsports community. We send our condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world. 💔 pic.twitter.com/bXRTiapBG7
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) January 3, 2023
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Apart from NASCAR, other sportspersons too shared their messages of sadness. F1 star and veteran, Jenson Button, for instance, called him “a talent that did so much for our sport”.
Former Rally driver, Malcolm Wilson, said “What he did with cars, the stunts that he did were just truly amazing.”
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These must be very tough times for Lucy and their children. All the NASCAR community stands in support of the Block family.
RIP legend!
