KEN BLOCK’S PIKES PEAK LEGACY
FOREVER ON THE EDGE
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, has played a role in developing, showcasing and remembering motorsports icons and legends. Ken Block was perhaps one of the most memorable.
Block, a name synonymous with high-octane action and motorsport innovation, left a legacy that continues to inspire and excite fans worldwide. On what would have been his 57th birthday, the PPIHC celebrates Block and how he revolutionized the way people view car culture, stunts and rally driving. He had the unique ability to see new possibilities in motorsports and created pathways to bring those ideas to life.
RALLY ROOTS ON PIKES PEAK
In 2005, Ken Block began his national rallying career with the Vermont SportsCar team, driving a 2005 Subaru WRX STi. He entered the PPIHC in the Rally America division, racing his Subaru in Group N, with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, finishing in 13:19.17 on the partially paved course.
Following his first season of rally racing, Block was awarded Rally America Rookie of the Year. He would continue competing in rally events through 2014.
“It would not be overstepping to say Ken Block was the most influential motorsports athlete of our generation.”
Travis Pastrana
HOONICORN ON THE HILL
Following his rallying career, Ken and Hoonigan unveiled the Hoonicorn in 2014. Boasting 1,400 horsepower, and all-wheel-drive, the Hoonicorn became a symbol of Block’s relentless pursuit of speed.
In 2017, Block brought the Hoonicorn V2 to Pikes Peak to create the next installment in his popular Climbkhana series. These videos redefined the boundaries of automotive performance and entertainment, spotlighting Block’s incredible driving skills, pushing vehicles to their limits with jaw-dropping stunts and drifts.
Ken Block’s Climbkhana: Pikes Peak featuring the Hoonicorn RTR V2, was a closed course ‘man versus mountain’ showdown directed by Brian Scotto and Jeff Zwart that captivated audiences around the world, further solidifying Block’s status as a motorsport icon.
In true Ken Block style, he made drifting up the side of a 14,115’ mountain look easy. The cinematic adventure takes viewers through 156 turns to the summit, while presenting Block with some unique and unexpected obstacles. The hugely successful film has garnered over 49 million views since it was released.
MILESTONE RETURN
In 2022, Block’s highly anticipated return to Pikes Peak was one of the most talked about events of the year. The Race to the Clouds would celebrate the 100th Running, and action sports icon, Ken Block was to be among the elite field of drivers.
Unfortunately, mechanical issues sidelined him during race week forcing him to miss the big event.
FAMILY TIES
In 2023, the Block family and Hoonigan returned to Pikes Peak for the 101st Running of the famous Race to the Clouds to honor Ken and bring the Hoonipigasus back to the mountain.
Block’s wife, Lucy, entered a 2024 SIERRA ECHO Block Edition by Hypercraft, in the Unlimited division. Aptly numbered #430, the EV-powered SIERRA with a throwback livery, proved successful on the mountain. She completed her rookie run in 11:25.315, and waited for her daughter to reach the top as the last car to leave the start line.
Block’s 16-year-old daughter, Lia, made a tribute run in the Hoonipigasus to honor her late father in the car he brought to Pikes Peak in 2022, and had planned to race in 2023. It was the final run of the day and brought fans to their feet as she piloted the #43 fan-favorite pink Porsche past their vantage point.
43 INSTITUTE
Created to honor the man many described as passionate and inspiring, 43 Institute provides resources for underserved, highly driven ‘motivated misfits’ who dream of an action sports career. Following Block’s deep love for cars and motorsports, 43 Institute aims to open the door of opportunity to the network of creatives, business leaders, marketing experts, top level athletes, and artists that Ken has built in his decades-long career; providing grants and support to make dreams happen.
“Ken Block did so much for the car culture community and made an impact on my life, personally. I was so lucky to be able to work with him closely for so many years. I’ve been doing my best to keep Ken’s legacy strong. Even though he’s no longer here with us, his foundation will continue to help those seeking an entry to the action sports world.”
Larry Chen
000 Magazine is supporting 43 Institute, with a portion of the proceeds from their current sweepstakes. “We spent time with Ken Block’s team during Race Week in 2022, and looked forward to seeing them on Race Day—but it wasn’t to be, and then we all lost Ken in 2023,” said 000 co-founder Pete Stout. “Everyone at 000 cares about motorsports and the creative arts, so a chance to support 43i in carrying Ken’s work forward wasn’t something we wanted to miss.”
HALL OF FAME HONORS
Block was honored with posthumous induction to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in October, 2024. His rally racing success and legendary status as an entrepreneur were recognized.
He has also been inducted to the Model Car Hall of Fame.
PARTING WORDS
“At some point in my life, I basically said take every day as a day to learn something…you just learn so much through life.”
“I really don’t have any regrets. I try to inspire people to be creative and live a fun life, and don’t be an a**hole.”
“At the end of the day the motivation is to be successful. At the end of the day the motivation is to have something you have a lot of pride in.”
Ken Block (1967-2023)
WATCH THE 10 MINUTE FILM THAT CAPTURED THE ATTENTION OF 49 MILLION VIEWERS
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo; Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Payton Smith, Charles Zhao, Jason Zindroski. Lars Gange – Blackbullet; Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame
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Contact:
Lisa Haight
Communications Manager / Historian
lisa@ppihc.org
(719) 685-4400
www.ppihc.org
