The Incredible Story of Ken Block

Ken Block is an inspiration to all petrolheads, a guy that could do almost anything with a car - insane control, total bravery and unbelievable skill.
There were so many aspects to his professional life - shoe designer, world rally driver, X games competitor, designer of EPIC cars and KZbin sensation.
For me personally - he wasn’t just a true racer, he was a pioneer of motorsport content creation and showed us all what was possible.
So we’re going to go over his life, show what made him so great as well as some of his INCREDIBLE cars.
You may know Ken Block from watching the WRC, the Dirt franchise of video games or the incredible Gymkhana videos - but Ken Block actually started out in life wanting to be a skateboarder - growing up in Long Beach, California.
But once his family moved to San Diego or the ‘middle of nowhere’ as he called it, he started to mess around with dirt bikes. This would start his obsession with extreme sports that would define his life.
📹 All source footage can be found here 👉 shrtm.nu/XOFe
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#KenBlock #Hoonigan #Gymkhana

[@theepichedgehog]

RIP to one of the GOATs. My heart goes out to his family and friends, he will be missed

[@lynnmei4346]

Nah, he is not a good driver. He is just a rich boy who can dump money on cars. He is more a stun man than a driver. In the rally world, too many others like Sebastien Loeb, Colin McRae are far more talented and better than him.

[@youtubeviewer9523]

@@lynnmei4346 dude he started driving at 37 and went on to compete in the wrc. He has a shitload of talent. If he started karting when he was 6 like most other drivers, I have little doubt that he would have been in the top 3 each race.

[@steviejrr]

@@youtubeviewer9523 Nah, he wasn't even good at rally. He's not that impressive, very overrated.

[@youtubeviewer9523]

@@steviejrr Haha I would love to see you take the 1400hp (likely more) hoonicorn around pikes peak. You would fall off the side of the first turn to your miserable and lonely death. You probably drive a PT cruiser convertible, so you can shut up. He had bigger balls and more skill than most race drivers ever. And he was a great guy.

[@KapitanPisoar1]

goat in making shoe commercials...

[@jugo85]

Apart from his amazing legacy, the fact that he started rally at age 37 is proof that it is never too late to go flat out chasing a dream! RIP..

[@itsdokko2990]

Something to live by. Rest in Peace Ken. Lost, never forgotten!

[@kuartz.]

I love people who say “but he wasn’t that good” like man, he’s in WRC in the first place, I think that says everything it needs to 😂

[@andysiddons9194]

@@kuartz. people say that because most wrc drivers are drivers that are not gd enough for f1 but ken was different he never wanted to race in that sense he was all about taking a car to it's limit not to fly around in fast cars

[@jahimuddin2306]

@@kuartz., It is like when people say certain NBA players suck. They are still in the top league.

[@reapersatan2864]

I am 37 and I just started my dream job. I can’t help but feel an affinity to Ken. Man this hit me in the feels.

[@_synix_2620]

The Hoonicorn itself was just a masterpiece of a car. When Ken showcased its performance in Gymkhana 7 and Top Gear, it proved to be one hell of a car with one hell of a driver behind it. Ken may be gone now but his videos and cars will always be here. Rest in Peace Ken, your skill behind the wheel will never be forgotten.

[@antrich110]

I dont usually get emotional when celebs pass away, but when this legend died.. It hit hard.

[@OfficiallySnek]

I still find it crazy to believe every time I hear it. The legend will stay in our hearts forever! 43

[@linusojohansson]

@@Frixwar 43 is is racing number

[@Bergamot88]

I mean considering his profession.. it’s not that crazy

[@zqzj]

Life is so fragile.

[@float32]

@@Bergamot88 it's a bit crazy that it wasn't related to his profession.

[@andysiddons9194]

@@float32 he was racing witch is his profession

[@youtubeviewer9523]

Rest easy Ken. I grew up watching your insane videos and you have inspired me and hundreds of millions of others. You were my hero and got me into rally racing. It truly will not ever be the same without you. Real legends never die, and your legacy will live on, in the heart of myself and many others. You revolutionized the car scene and bought it to the point it is today. As a fellow mountain biker and huge fan, I hope that you will be drifting the streets of heaven. Never forget to KILL ALL TIRES and GO FAST, RISK EVERY THANG. Thank you for everything you have done for me and so many others, and I truly hope that your legacy will never be forgotten. You may be gone, but never forgotten. RIP to my hero and an amazing human being. You will be sorely missed.

[@youknow8by8youself]

He isn't going to read this

[@bassdestroyerscarreviews9070]

@@youknow8by8youself let people grieve dude

[@youtubeviewer9523]

@@youknow8by8youself dude STFU of course he isn't. It is my way of expressing my gratitude and sorrow towards this tragic loss that has affected me and many others.

[@youtubeviewer9523]

@@bassdestroyerscarreviews9070 thanks for sticking up for me man. Some people are just assholes and have no understanding of how the world works.

[@steviejrr]

heaven doesn't exist bud.

[@JaySpec.]

“In life, from the simplest thing to the biggest thing, I want to be proud of what it is and stake my claim: 'That's mine and that's how I do it.'” -Ken Block And he absolutely did it. Rest in Peace legend👑

[@jasonwells7354]

The part about Ken that's missing here is how good of a human being he was. This is a guy who always has time for fans and friends. Was a good dad and husband to his family. He never stopped being himself. I will always be inspired by his do it to the max mentality while being as calm and cool at the same time. A legend who will be truly missed. RIP Mr. Block.

[@SkippingBaboon]

Well said!

[@DF-et4gs]

Solid post man. I am truly going to miss watching his team ups with other drivers and YT stars; he not only knew how to have a good time but was so supportive of others and their quest to do better! That was a window into his true being. A legend. RIP Ken

[@Shinkajo]

And how, pray tell, do you know any of this?

[@RafidW9]

@@Shinkajo how, pray tell, did your mom produce such an imbecile and an embarrassment like you?

[@jahimuddin2306]

@@Shinkajo, His family very obviously love him.

[@jimz68]

Beautiful tribute to a great sportsman. Well done. KB will be missed.

[@scottmeredith3359]

Scott nailed it when he said “Pioneer of Motorsport content creator”. I’ve never known how to classify Block in my mind, but that’s probably the best descriptor for him. RIP

[@joshuafleckenstein351]

Gone too soon, but still, what a legacy to leave behind. A visionary and a pioneer. RIP Ken, thank you for all the inspiration.

[@AeroGuy07]

No ads, no sponsor plugs. Just a well done tribute. Thank you!

[@cra_55]

More than just a racing driver, he was an entertainer. He didn't just come to the sport to win; he made us love the sport.

[@feke5987]

Even after more than a week I still can't grasp the fact that he's gone. When it comes to icons of the automotive world he was up there for me alongside the likes of Paul Walker and the Top Gear trio as some of the people that really got me into cars. His legacy will live on for years to come and the content he made with the Hoonigan team will remain some of the best automotive content of all time.

[@andysiddons9194]

Paul walker was an actor not an icon of automotive world

[@sunmoonmunna3557]

@@andysiddons9194 yes he’s an actor but what made him famous was stuff related to cars and he was an inspiration to car enthusiasts.

[@suddendilemma5137]

RIP to Ken. He lived life to the fullest

[@stevepaul1190]

Beautiful tribute Scott. Ken’s life, driving skill, cars and legend will never be matched, or forgotten. RIP Ken.

[@robrohrer2014]

R.I.P. Ken🙏🏻 and Thank You

[@iTsDePrince]

Idk how you’re not crying talking about our legend Ken. I can’t stop tearing 😢anytime his videos appear anywhere. Thanks for awesome tribute video

[@stevenstallabrass3819]

Can’t believe he’s gone! I’m a 56 year old man that cry’s when I watch Ken’s videos now!!! Such a sad sad waste!!!!! My love to his family and all his friends!! Sweet love he was an unassuming inspirational man! I never thought I’d be affected like this, but I guess I never thought he’d leave us so soon!!! My love to him and his family! My heart goes to them! 👊🫶🥰

[@flurpoid]

Still so hard to believe he is gone. The world lost an incredibly passionate and talented man, who ultimately just wanted to share his passion with the world.

[@royjsilverback7644]

This is the only famous person that made ne cry when they passed. I am 34. Grew up watching this stuff. He will not be forgotten

[@patmcassey6465]

I appreciate that you guys put this out this week and actually told his story. So many KZbin channels were exploiting his death to get views by just cutting together gymkhana clips

[@rodolfoptx]

Ken Block's premature loss reminds me of Steve Irwin's: both captivated us by dancing with danger and always getting away unscathed, just to be taken from us in such mundane situations. It's almost like death feared their adventures. Rest in peace, legends.

[@PranavAnand2112]

What an observation! It sounds painfully true though :(

[@wolterzz3267]

I get what you're saying, man. Their deaths also reminded me of that of Ken's big hero Colin McRae, who also was very similar to these guys.

[@rhouser1280]

Hoonicorn is my absolute favorite car I’ve ever seen, something about a 4x4 1400hp classic mustang just struck a chord with me. Ken pushing that car to it’s limit every time he climbed in made an incredible experience! What a legend & tragedy, I know the impact he made on me & apparently, on everyone that knew him felt the same.

[@aaronmachado13]

I grew up in Annapolis Maryland so I followed Travis closely and seeing those two compete at FedEx field during the 2014 Global Rallycross and you could see those two havin a showman style. They weren’t “ I was faster by .5 seconds” they were always about who got the most sideways in the corners. Ken was someone who inspired many from bringing alternative skater style to motorsport, inspiring hoonicorn replicas, giving many athletes a platform to grow with sponsoring DC. The action sport world lost a good one and wish the block family the best during these hard times. Rest In Peace Ken

[@monaroman2874]

Perfect tribute for a man I thought was just amazing in a car RIP Ken you will be forever missed

[@drewtarrant7321]

Great tribute to Ken. Over a week later, we are still saddended and shocked to the core with his passing😪. A HUGE loss for motorsport . An unimaginable loss for his family and Hoonigan.

[@coccifrance]

My hero goes down but the legend lives on ! My son is learning from his legacy at eighth years old ! Thank you Ken !

[@cS-nf2dg]

The personification of the phrase "merging man & machine". Got to see/chat with him at the Ojibway Forrest rally. Hell of a guy. He'll sorrily be missed & never be equalled. Now he'll hoon with the wings of angels...

[@Tweej]

So many things he did that alone would have been a great legacy. He was so many things all at once and running through everything was passion. He seemed determined to give his daughter every opportunity to do at a young age what he did so late in life. May she carry on the Block legacy (if that is her wish)

[@AETERNVS]

We are in the making of a documentary on the history of the Pikes Peak hill climb. There’s a good part in the video that talks about Ken Block’s “climbkhana” that he did there. We were working on that part when he passed away.. as shocked as we still are, we decided not to quit on the video, and we transformed it in something to honor Ken’s memory. He was truly unique, just like his cars. Awesome tribute ❤

[@FiXsy_]

I still remember playing the old Dirt games and racing alongside him, watching all the Gymkanas and his other amazing stunts. He was truly a gift to this world that we should never forget. My heart goes out to all of his close ones. RIP Ken, it was a crazy ride, and I'm so happy that I could be a part of it

[@DrThic]

The Hoonicorn is, and always will be, one of if not my favorite cars of all time. Everything about it is just perfect. I was lucky enough to see it in person & seeing it on video doesn't do it justice. Ken Block brought millions of people into car culture and inspired so many. RIP 😭

[@augustaspaulauskas91]

I now remembered that I had one pair of dc skateshoes when growing up because of ken's videos and that and his videos were insane R.I.P the G.O.A.T #43 🙏

[@mclarenscca]

He passed away doing something he loved, and I bet he had a smile on his face! RIP Ken, you were, and will always be a legend!!!! To his 3 daughters, try not to let this effect the rest of your life in a negative way! Celebrate his life! 🙂

[@raztubes]

He didn't have a smile on his face. Instead, it was a snowmobile. Too young, and a terrible way to go; no need to sugarcoat things.

[@ammarisrar2005]

The BEST memory I have of KB is him doing donuts around the saqash dressed guy on the Segway, Ken was actually the person who got me into rally racing and motorsports in general. RIP legend

[@Roogs209]

RIP Ken Block. 25 year DC shoe wearer, moto and rally fan for bout same. Always looked up to the man. Thanks for the vid Scott and team!

[@tee8612]

We miss you KB43… legend and inspiration for life… thankful to you for bringing me and so many other into the world of motorsports.. its been a week and i still tear up thinking of you.. Prayers to your family and your close friends.. You will never be forgotten Block!

[@bigjohnnywolf7500]

I was wondering how you were going to tell the story of Ken Block in just over 10 minutes. Great job.. There is a Hoonigan in Heaven.. Race in Peace Ken..

[@R3DHarmony]

It took me a couple of days to watch this video. After following Ken's career for over a decade and absolutely admiring every single thing this man did. Countless hours watching Gymkhana videos, replicating his cars in video games, and just overall loving his art. Ken is a legend. There will never be a day when you refer to him as "was a legend". There's been hundreds of people we've all idolized for a number of reasons, Ken will always be at the top. Ken Block's legendary life will live on through his daughter, his videos, and the impressions he left on millions if not billions of people. R.I.P to the greatest to ever breath

[@kbakeritsallaboutnobody.5761]

Long live Ken Block's memory in the hearts and lives of his family, friends, and fans.

[@sorn2866]

I grew up getting into motorsports because of Gymkhana until now and carrying his number 43 everytime because of him RIP Ken thank you so much

[@tomarmstrong6594]

That Ford he stared in is so iconic I fell in love with it RIP Ken

[@GetOutsideYourself]

His videos were pure art. Just amazing. Timeless even.

[@jamiegriffith9887]

Ken helped get me into cars even more, showing what was possible with them, his stunts and rallying videos cemented me as a forever car guy and fan of motorsport

[@shaynemorten2253]

Legends might pass away but they never die. GodSpeed Ken!

[@ZepG]

I grew up in the USA in the 70's/80's and loved riding BMX bikes, dirt bikes, skateboards etc.. When I got my first car in 1984 I tried drifting it on my school's parking lot lol. The second I saw Ken Block I was hooked on his passion for what I also loved and will miss him dearly!

[@Eggyteevee]

I was like 9 when my older brother showed me Ken Block's Gymkhana 5, at the time I didn't found that much interesting, since for me few things were interesting at the time, but then I grew up and started noticing how amazing he was. Now, 10 days ago, I was here on YT, looking for something and I saw the news that he passed away, even if I didn't cry or be sad, I knew it was a great loss, I saw all my friends sad about him, almost everywhere I go on Internet was talking about him, paying condolences, and this will be a day I wont forgot, like when Senna died, nobody will forget when, where or what they were doing when the news came. Like everybody on the car community, I will miss him, he was a hero we didnt deserved, but a hero that we needed to teach us a lesson that everything is possible if you want, and most importantly, if you have fun doing it. Rest In Peace Ken, you may be gone, but your leggacy will live on for decades to come.

[@bbbenj]

RIP Ken... Thanks for the hommage.

[@SatanClaus69]

He was iconic. The man had style, charisma, talent... a true loss to our community. Rest easy, champ! Can't wait to see what his daughter gets up to in the cars, she is a monster driver herself according to Ken.

[@nerf123dca]

Is it just me or did we all have them DC Stickers on all our stuff? What an icon

[@andresilva8444]

Love his RS - the perfect Group B car. I don't consider myself a petrolhead but damn do I enjoy Ken Block. He was brilliant and will live on forever.

[@k20cam49]

It wasn’t just rally, it was xgames, gymkhana, his influence on the car community globally. I grew up watching countless videos and playing early dirt rally games, he’s one of the reasons I love motorsport. Legend

[@bigjames754]

Ken Block will never truly be gone. All of his friends, family and supporters will keep his legacy alive forever. Our grandkids grandchildren will know about Ken Block and watch his amazing videos. His legacy shall forever live on.

[@DannyBoy-qd2jb]

Weather u knew Ken or never met him,This lost feels like losing someone u knew,RIP Ken Block you’ll never ever be forgotten🙏🏻💚🌹

[@Andrew-zx9wx]

Thank you Ken for sharing all you did in cars, RIP brother. Can’t imagine his family’s pain at this time. 😢

[@Andrew-zx9wx]

Edit: this video was a great tribute to Ken, thank you.

[@shadetreediesels]

Rip Ken, you will be missed. One of the best drivers in the world, man was an artist behind the wheel!

[@Tyler_J_Cook]

I met and hung out with Ken and his family not too long ago. amazing people and i think about them all the time. RIP my hero.

[@forbiddenera]

Still in shock and disbelief. I wasn't sure what to think of him at first but he kept growing on me and solidified himself as my hero when I learned he didn't even start rallying until he was my age as I was thinking more and more that I was getting too old to even bother..and whether I ever do or not, full respect for him showing it's possible while supporting his daughter to do the same. I do hope this video is not monitized though or that any proceeds are donated.

[@moe_1886]

Lovely piece mate. Gone to soon, but his legend will live on! RIP KB!

[@antisadboi6934]

Ken was one of my heros, he's the reason I love drifting so much, and the fact he achieved all that he did in his 55 years with us isn't something to engorge, we'll miss you ken and remember "If you're not scared you're not going fast enough"

[@EricDJF]

I've never quite understood how people feel so upset about somebody they never met dying before,until now. I'm just so sad that Ken passed away he just seemed like such an incredibly nice guy and had a talent that was so addictive to watch.

[@joegomez5463]

Bruh, I found out about Ken thru NFS 2015 (I recently got it, cause 1.Tofu car, and 2. My 4Y.o. likes cars, and roaming games, and this was both lmao) And..yeah, hearing about this at first I was like "Ken block, the NFS guy?" But now, really looking in to everytbing hes done, I'm getting more and more sad. I'm becoming a fan of someone who isnt even here anymore to make me a fan lmao. He's timeless. Hope his family can get thru it and whatnot. Sad to hear he isnt here anymore.

[@maxipetrulio]

"If you are not scared, you are not going fast enough. " 🙌

[@elliotrobinson3515]

thank you for making this

[@Juicefpv]

Thank you for making this video

[@tannerharcus8833]

thanks for the video

[@stfuyfc69420]

Thank you for this

[@richardbeaudoin4937]

Not often celebrity deaths hit hard with me. But this is definitely one.

[@bubidisc]

Thank you for this video. R.I.P. Ken. I'll miss you much.

[@jasonlanglois7906]

Very tasteful tribute to an absolute legend. Well done as always. RIP #43

[@nitrouspeed3583]

Racing has been a huge staple in my life, and whenever people ask me how I got into racing I show them the same gymkhana video that changed my life over a decade ago. I will miss him forever

[@williamwade7059]

Thanks for this

[@cabbagedraconus2460]

I’m 31, I remember seeing all the Gymkhana’s as they all came out , and in the early days , I thought they were one continuous run. Then I grew up and learnt about editing 😂 but still never failed to amaze me, brilliant entertainment and top guy. Thoughts to his family and friends ❤❤

[@zbatchDOC]

I’m so glad you made this video. I Hope more people find ways to honor this guys incredible life.

[@Sendit77]

thanks for this mate. it hurts more than it should losing someone we didn't know.

[@jezzter4293]

Thanks for this video. Still in shock at his loss. Much love to his family & worldwide friends. Ken was a genius in any vehicle, an inspiration to us all. RIP

[@jameslatham3521]

Thank you for the video. You guys do an epic job of highlighting drivers and their careers!

[@2fast2nick]

I remember the first time I saw Gymkhana practice, mind blown. I showed it to everyone I knew. I don't know how many times I've even seen it

[@gdoumit]

Really glad you made this video. There hasn't really been much coverage of Ken since his passing and that's been a shame. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this video pop up today.

[@russn4933]

Thank you for making this video.

[@nocoffeebadday695]

I've been a fan of Ken's since watching him race and other dirt bike stunts on x games in the late 90's.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Rest in absolute *power*

[@mattdubya]

Thank you for this content. As has been mentioned, it is hard to believe that he's gone.

[@Milkydrummer]

Great tribute man, thankyou

[@theoriginalrecycler]

Cheers Scott thanks for this.

[@DiegoooTech]

You did my favourite and respectfull video about Ken departure. Thanks.

[@jacobmcfarland3117]

Thank you for this video 😢

[@MambaBreezy24]

Those Gymkhana videos are masterpieces. Rest Easy, Ken. An inspiration to the entire motorsports community.

[@lazyman2604]

Hard to watch with/out some Manly emotions coming through, what an amazing Dad and driver he will be missed. Much love Mr. block

[@thetruebatman4632]

Pure class, for you to dedicate such a kickass video in his honor. He was something else.

[@LateNightRituals]

No one will ever be like him. As original, as lovable and as impactful

[@allanon93]

RIP Ken. He gave me my love of Audi's especially for the old ones

[@DBoone123]

RIP He was such a huge part of the car community and he will me missed by so many people all over the world.

[@samleary2733]

I remember where is was when I first saw the original gymkhana video. Was always into motorsport so it was right up my alley but that video opened the car world doors to a whole generation of people that previously didn’t care. The entire automotive and entertainment industries both owe him an enormous amount of gratitude

[@rubenpulles7382]

I remember finding out about gymknana when I was 13 years old. He fueled my love for motorsport to irreversible levels. The aesthetic of his cars and everything else blow my mind. Started drinking monster because of him. Ultimately found out about pikes peak and formula drift because of Ken. Just cant believe he's gone. Id wanna say rest in peace but with Ken its gonna be more like rest in furious tire smoke and turbocharged thunder.

[@gregepp3082]

This was really cool you put this together.

[@carfreak290]

Gymkhana 1 changed everything moving forward. That level of car control had never been seen at the "viral" living-room level.

[@aXBlackDeathXa]

Gymkhana is today what "Escape from Stockholm" was a over a decade ago. RIP 43 THANK YOU for the memories!

[@WhatDemocracy]

Never been hit so hard by the passing of a famous person.... maybe its just how unexpected it all was.... RIP to the legend the role model Ken Block.... 😢

[@Abb0nz1]

Great video about a great motorsport legend. Thanks for creating and sharing.