Kenneth Paul Block (November 21, 1967 – January 2, 2023) was an American professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division, formerly the Monster World Rally Team. A co-founder of DC Shoes, he also participated in skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross.
After selling DC Shoes, Block focused on Hoonigan Industries, an apparel brand for auto enthusiasts, where he was the co-owner and “Head Hoonigan In Charge” (HHIC). Block tragically died in a snowmobile accident in January 2023.
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Ken Block’s Net Worth
Ken Block had a net worth of $100 million at the time of his death. He served as the Chief Brand Officer of DC Shoes. In March 2004, DC Shoes was acquired by Quicksilver for $87 million.
Early life
Ken Block was born in Long Beach, California. He began his rallying career with the Vermont SportsCar team in 2005 and competed in the 2006 Rally America National Championship, finishing second overall. By the end of 2007, Block had 19 podiums and 8 overall victories in rally events.
He competed again in the 2008 Rally America National Championship, finishing second overall, and on February 27, 2010, won the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood for the fifth consecutive time, breaking John Buffum’s record.On March 23, 2011, Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino rolled their Ford Fiesta RS WRC during the shakedown stage of the Rally de Portugal but were unharmed.
In 2013, Block entered the top ten of the Mexican rally, earning his first six points for the championship and achieving a career-best seventh overall finish. In 2014, sponsored by Castrol, he finished 12th at the WRC in Catalunya, Spain. Block’s Rally America career included 60 starts, 16 wins, and 28 podium finishes.
Block also competed in skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. In 2010, he co-founded Gymkhana Grid, winning the all-wheel-drive event in 2014. In 2021, he finished fourth in the Baja 1000 trophy truck class and holds the world record for the fastest snowcat with his modified Ford Raptor, the RaptorTrax.
Personal life
Ken Block was married to his wife, Lucy, from July 2004 until his death, and they had three daughters. Their daughter Lia began competing in rallying in late 2021 and entered the Extreme E series in 2023. In 2021, Block collaborated with Rotiform and Fuel Off-Road through Wheel Pros on four sets of signature wheels.
Ken Block tragically died at age 55 in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Woodland, Utah, on January 2, 2023. The snowmobile upended on a steep slope, landing on top of him, and he was declared dead at the scene. In his honor, his No. 43 was retired from the World Rally Championship for the 2023 season.
Why did Ken Block leave Ford?
The rumored reason for the breakup is that Ford had already spent tens of millions on Block’s colorful antics, but when Block asked for double the fee, Ford decided to pull the plug. Block had signed to drive Ford vehicles in 2010.
Conclusion
Ken Block’s net worth is a reflection of his unparalleled success, both as a businessman and as an athlete. His life, though tragically cut short, serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
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FAQs about Ken Block’s Net Worth
- Why was Ken Block’s Gymkhana series so popular?
The Gymkhana series, originally designed to promote DC Shoes, combined Block’s exceptional driving skills with visually stunning courses, making it a hit on the internet. - What is Hoonigan Industries?
Founded by Ken Block, Hoonigan Industries specializes in motor apparel and also managed Block’s racing team in collaboration with Ford until 2021. - Who succeeded Ken Block at Hoonigan after his death?
Details on his successor at Hoonigan remain unclear as of the current information available. - What legacy does Ken Block leave behind in the rally world?
With 23 U.S. domestic rally wins and six Global Rallycross titles, Block leaves behind an indomitable legacy and will be remembered as one of the sport’s greats. - How did the rally world honor Ken Block posthumously?
As a mark of respect, the World Rally Championship retired the number 43 for the 2023 season in his honor.
