LUCY BLOCK IN SIERRA ECHO HONORS LATE HUSBAND KEN IN PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo welcomed the family, friends and fans of the late Ken Block, the driving force behind the Hoonigan brand, a rally racer, and marketing genius.
Ken made his rookie run on Pikes Peak in 2005 racing in the Rally Group N class alongside co-driver Alex Gelsomino. The duo finished 5th in class.
Ken returned in 2022 for the 100th Running of the iconic hill climb presenting the Hoonipigasus, a BBi-built Porsche 911, 1400hp, twin turbo, all wheel drive beast. Despite an engine failure during practice and no race day run, Block planned to return in 2023 in the pink-liveried Porsche. Sadly, he was killed in a snowmobile accident in Utah in January, 2023.
While Ken’s passing left a giant hole in the motorsports world, it wasn’t long before plans were being put in motion to honor his remarkable life and career, and add to the family’s success, including a 2023 PPIHC race entry.
Ken’s wife, Lucy Block, a first-time racer on Pikes Peak, teamed up with PPIHC veteran Cole Powelson to drive an electric-powered 2024 SIERRA ECHO Block Edition by Hypercraft in the Unlimited division. Her number #430 was a nod to Ken’s own #43.
Rally Passion
Lucy made her rally racing debut at the Middle Cog Rally in Colorado in 2009. She has raced more than 30 rallies thus far in her career. In 2022 she raced her first full American Rally Association season.
She continued to run in the ARA series in 2023 with a familiar face on board as her co-driver, Alex Gelsomino.
Prepping and Practicing
Technical Inspection kicked off race week where early morning practice sessions on different sections of the mountain help drivers memorize the course and experience current conditions. Lucy’s effort, with advise from Powelson, improved daily.
43 Institute
Established in memory of Ken Block, 43 Institute was created to carry on his greatest legacy: creating paths of opportunity for the exceptionally driven who may lack the proper support system for growth and success. Whether it’s brand-building, pursuing action sports or a motorsports career, it was part of Ken’s DNA to support those who chased their passion with their whole heart and soul. The Institute provides grants and support to make dreams come true.
Support for the Block family was prevalent all of Race Week and especially at Fan Fest, the pre-race street festival in downtown Colorado Springs. Hundreds of fans lined up to meet Lucy and Lia, get an autograph and purchase their merch to benefit the Institute. On top of massive fan support, Mobil 1 showed great commitment by donating more than $68,000 to Ken’s foundation.
Racing and Remembering
As Lucy awaited the green flag, a steady stream of well-wishers shared memories of Ken and encouraging words, including her daughter Lia.
Lucy put in a solid run up the 12.42 mile course clocking a finish time of 11:25.315, a 10th place division finish. The only thing remaining on her mind was 16-year old Lia and her tribute run in Ken’s #43 Hoonipigasus, who was making her way through the 156 turns as the last car on the course.
When asked how she felt when she and Lia were reunited at the 14,115′ summit of Pikes Peak, Lucy shared, “Definitely a feeling of relief and then, of course, sadness that we were missing the person we were there for.”
It’s safe to say Ken Block was in the heart of every competitor on race day. The support shown, love spoken and tears shed following the race were all part of the remarkable celebration honoring him.
“It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey and how you get there.” Ken Block
Q & A WITH LUCY BLOCK
What was it like crossing the finish line? “A complete relief. Pikes Peak is a very difficult race.”
What would you hope to see the racing community come away with after watching the Block family conquer Pikes Peak? “Most of the racing community would do exactly what we did if they were in our situation…press on, regardless. Keep your head up and do what you love.”
Thoughts about returning to Pikes Peak: “If I ever race Pikes Peak again, I’d like more time to prep…time to feel more comfortable on the mountain. I don’t know what I’d drive, but all wheel drive would be nice.”
A film documenting Lucy’s experience on Pikes Peak in 2023 was released in December, 2023. Watch the story unfold behind the scenes in 43 Fortitude, A Continuing Legacy.
LUCY BLOCK RACES TO THE 14,115′ PIKES PEAK SUMMIT
Photos by: Larry Chen, Luis Garcia, Jason Zindroski, Charles Zhao, Hoonigan
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