LEGENDS NEVER DIE!

On the 2nd of January, 2023 the automotive world lost an icon and a legend. Kenneth Paul Block known popularly as Ken Block died in a snowmobile accident at the age of 55. When I heard about this news, it reminded me so much of Paul Walkers death. Walker was just 40 years old at the time of his death and it hurts when you realize these men were just at the peak of their careers before death paid them a visit. Paul Walker once said, “If one day speed kills me, don’t cry because I was smiling”, Walker and Block both died shifting gears, so it means they died doing something they loved.

Ken Block (November 21, 1967 – January 2, 2023)

I remember seeing Block for the first time on the Top Gear show. He featured in an episode where he drove through the streets of London and the Buckingham Palace with Matt LeBlanc, a former host of the Top Gear show. In that episode, we were made to believe they woke up the Queen of England with all the tire squealing and engine revs. I use the words "made to believe" because I thought it was real, but it turns out that was not the actual Queen, it was just an actress, LOL. Can't blame a young lad for believing everything he saw on TV. After this episode of Top Gear, I went to research on Block and trust me, it was love at first search. I found out he was a pro rally driver and the owner of HOONIGAN.

Matt Leblanc and Ken Block in an episode of Top Gear

I think the most captivating thing about Ken Block's motorsports career is that he started professional racing at the age of 37. Most professional racers, even football players retire around the same age Block decided to begin a racing career. Before racing, Block co-found DC shoes which is popular among skaters. He eventually sold his share of the company for close to 87 million dollars. You would expect him to just relax and feel accomplished but Block decided to chase his childhood passion of being a rally driver. In 2005, Block began his National rallying career with his first event of the rallying season being Sno*Drift, where he ended up finishing seventh overall. At the end of his first rallying year, Block had won the Rally America Rookie of the Year award. At 37, people didn't expect much from Block being way older and less experienced than his competition, but he proved that age is indeed nothing but numbers.

Block defying all odds!

Block eventually got deals with Subaru and later on with Ford, clinching many podiums and wins in the World Rally Championship (WRC). His top win would have been the 2007 competition in which he raced and beat his idol, Colin McRae in the X Games 13 rally car special. He eventually formed HOONIGAN and became a YouTube sensation as he would post audacious and entertaining drift stunts on his channel. I would refer to Block as the Kim Kardarshian of Motorsports. This is an extremely abridged record of  Block's racing career, as one article is not enough to do justice.

Ken Block's Beautiful Garage

As I conclude this episode, I would want us to take a phrase to heart; "Do not wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to chase your dreams and enjoy your life". I first saw this phrase when I lost a brother, Mr. Cole Precious. Cole's Instagram profile picture read these words and I cherished them ever since. Ken Block and Paul Walker lived in 55 and 40 years respectively more than some would if given a hundred years. Hence, it is not by how far but how well. May the souls of Ken Block, Paul Walker, Cole Precious, Aladenoye Benedict and all the faithfully departed, rest in perfect peace.

Cole's Message to the World!

I guess it is not too late to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you for reading and always remember to Turbo that engine.