Ken Block remembered for extreme driving, smoking tires

WOODLAND, Utah — The late rally driver Ken Block, whose "Gymkhana" series of tire-smoking, extreme driving videos made him a viral star, will be missed as a spokesman for Toyo Tire USA Corp.

Block, 55, died Jan. 2 in a snowmobile accident near Woodland, where he lived. The Wasatch County sheriff's department reported that Block's snowmobile upended on a steep slope and landed on top of him.

"We were all blessed to have worked with Ken over the last six years and be part of his unique vision on several campaigns. His passion for motorsports and storytelling had an unforgettable impact on all our lives," Stan Chen, Toyo's senior manager, events, sponsorships and motorsports, said.

In 2016, Block signed a multi-year partnership with Toyo Tire, switching from Pirelli Tire North America Inc. after a five-year run.

His first project with Toyo was his Gymkhana 8 video, which was followed over the years by 2016 Gymkhana 9, 2018 Gym 10, 2019 Climbkhana 2 and 2022 Electrikhana.

He helped launch Toyo's Proxes R888R tire with Climbkhana on Sept. 25, 2017.

After attempting to make it as a professional snowboarder, Block co-founded DC Shoes, which specialized in skateboarding and snowboarding apparel, in 1994 and began his career as a rally driver in 2005, first with the Vermont SportsCar Team and later founding the Monster World Rally Team.

Block later founded the apparel brand Hoonigan Industries and renamed his team the Hoonigan Racing Division.

Block competed in the X Games for years, as well as several Rallycross Championship events.

He also competed sporadically in the World Rally Championship from 2007-18, competing in 25 WRC events, with his highest finish seventh at the Mexico Rally in 2013.

In honor of his being held in "high regard" by his fans and colleagues, the Federation International de l'Automobile has retired the No. 43 Block ran on his cars for the 2023 season.