nemo Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 It's official. The amazingly talented Ken Block, he of the sideways Subie, is ditching the AWD brand to race a Ford Fiesta in Rally America/X Games and a Ford Focus on the bigger World Rally Championship stage. Reports late last year indicated this was in the cards and we're happy to hear the guy who is out doing this will get a chance to race in places more exotic than Salem, Missouri and Northern Michigan. Above, a primer to everything Ken Block has done in 2009, below the first preview of Block inside the new Monster World Rally Championship Focus. DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 6, 2010 – Ford Motor Company announced today that it is teaming up with Ken Block, the California-based action sports icon-turned-rally driver, for future global motorsports opportunities. Block, the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year and a three-time medalist at X Games, has cultivated a tremendous following with his Gymkhana videos on YouTube. In 2010, Block will campaign a Ford Focus in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games. "I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford. They are an impressive force in the sport," said Ken Block. "From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200 to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford just does an excellent job at rally and I couldn't be happier to now be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a dedicated Ford guy." "Ken Block has established himself as an action sports competitor and a rising star in the world of American rally racing," said Jamie Allison, director Ford North America Motorsports. "We are excited to have him on our team to help promote our new global products, the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Ford Focus." Rallying is a crucial part of Ford's global motorsports strategy and provides the company with the opportunity to showcase the true performance capabilities of Ford's products. Since its support of rallying began, Ford has won three WRC titles and 73 individual events. And, last year in North America, Ford's participation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and X Games 15 were key elements for the launch of the Ford Fiesta for the U.S. "Thanks to our participation in WRC, rallying has always played a key role in Ford's global motorsports programs," said Allison. "Ford is the only manufacturer that could provide Ken with global rally opportunities." "We're delighted that Ken Block has chosen to team up with Ford to develop his rallying activities beyond America and into the global arena," said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's senior motorsports manager. "Ford and its U.K.-based rally partner, M-Sport, is looking forward to welcoming Ken to the wider team of talented rally drivers using Ford vehicles to compete in this demanding sport at the highest level internationally." http://jalopnik.com/5441379/ken-block-ditches-subaru-will-rock-ford-for-wrc-x-games Gymkhana videos with a ford fiesta? If you don't vote Trump, out, you're a bigot who hates america. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wang Lung Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I wonder how much of Subaru's sales increase is due to him and his videos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIPjeep2002 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Another star dropping Subaru. His videos will not be the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssej Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Doesn't the WRC require 2.0 liter engines? Since Subaru only does 2.5L now, it's kind of Subies fault, eh? But I still love my 2.5L anyway ^_^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtP Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I thought they got dropped from WRC because they said everything had to be an inline 4? (ergo a post facto ban on subaru's flat 4?) honestly, rock the ej20 then. hell, bring BACK the ej20 and stop this ring land non-sense.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EquinnoxX Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Since Subaru is no longer (and not going to be in the foreseeable future ) in the WRC, it makes sense for him to join with someone else if he wants to compete. With his skill level, he SHOULD compete at that level! Since Ford is the only American car manufacturer in the WRC, it kinda makes sense he signed with them. I also wouldn't be suprised if there was a clause in the contract about using a Ford in his next video And that Fiesta isn't all that bad looking ... I was expecting worse. http://fiestas2000.com/components/com_joomgallery/img_originals/gallery_3/studio_shots_5/img_88714_20091119_1871644760.jpg Taken from here --> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilT Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Since Subaru is no longer (and not going to be in the foreseeable future ) in the WRC, it makes sense for him to join with someone else if he wants to compete. With his skill level, he SHOULD compete at that level! Since Ford is the only American car manufacturer in the WRC, it kinda makes sense he signed with them. I also wouldn't be suprised if there was a clause in the contract about using a Ford in his next video And that Fiesta isn't all that bad looking ... I was expecting worse. His skill level ??? He's a stunt driver for heavens sake If he was really that good he would have been snapped up before. The proof of the pudding........... Double Award Winning Legacy GT Wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legacyCT Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 If all the Fiesta's looked like and were turbo'd AWD i would own one.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rao Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 That's it - I am selling my Subaru and buying a Fiesta. Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPLGT Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 That's it - I am selling my Subaru and buying a Fiesta. Screw that! I'm buying a 3 Cyl Festiva! Rehab is for quitters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnguyenbb6 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 If he was really that good he would have been snapped up before. The proof of the pudding........... He pretty much did get scooped up. He started rallying small time and then got picked up by Subaru. Joining Ford will only further his career(regardless of how much skill he may or may not have) and further promote Ford. I'm sure he'll still promote Subaru some how since his clothing company makes clothes for SRT. I don't understand why people are getting their panties in a bunch over this, hes not selling out, hes moving onto bigger things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EquinnoxX Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 His skill level ??? He's a stunt driver for heavens sake If he was really that good he would have been snapped up before. The proof of the pudding........... He has been (and proven himself) in the Rally America National Championship since 2005. He has also participated in a few WRC stages a few years ago doing quite well. I'm sure his driving style skill level is open to debate however you can't overlook the fact that he is the first American driver in the WRC. Us (Continental North) Americans can finally be proud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelflight Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I have never liked Block. He has always come off as someone just playing around. While he is a good driver, With all the DC shoes stuff I have a hard time taking him seriously. I would love to see Pastrana run in WRC. He seems to be willing to do anything to win which is what you need in someone starting in the big leagues. He is humble and willing to take his licks. I can't say that for Block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotsflat4love Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I am sad to say, I am glad he is leaving. I am tired of seeing monster, DC and Subaru with young kids thinking he is a God. He has only been doing this for a short while. If they made McRae gear, that would be different. A proven track record. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 You guys and your sour grapes. Just admit you are jealous and now you want a Ford. Just kidding. I was never a fan of Block as a person but respected his driving skills. I never met the guy in person but he's always given me the impression he is rather full of himself and not as approachable to fans. He reminds me a lot of Loeb's attitude. And I too, am sick of Monster.Glad Travis Pastrana is still "with us". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infamous1 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Just kidding. I was never a fan of Block as a person but respected his driving skills. I never met the guy in person but he's always given me the impression he is rather full of himself and not as approachable to fans. I've seen him at an event or two, he was pretty approachable and signs lots of autographs for the kiddies too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightspeed98 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Since Subaru is no longer (and not going to be in the foreseeable future ) in the WRC, it makes sense for him to join with someone else if he wants to compete. With his skill level, he SHOULD compete at that level! Since Ford is the only American car manufacturer in the WRC, it kinda makes sense he signed with them. I also wouldn't be suprised if there was a clause in the contract about using a Ford in his next video And that Fiesta isn't all that bad looking ... I was expecting worse. http://fiestas2000.com/components/com_joomgallery/img_originals/gallery_3/studio_shots_5/img_88714_20091119_1871644760.jpg Taken from here --> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/ hate to admit it, but he's right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightspeed98 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 btw, i'm a fan. the man has skills, and he's proved it. i don't like him because who he is, honestly, i don't care, i like him because of what he can do and has done. straight up, i'm jealous of his skill much the same a lot of you are. admit it or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwebster3 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 i think its crap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangendsley Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 did everyone on x games watch the ford eat up a sti on the straightaway. The sti was midway and the ford past it like it was sitting still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pillboy Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 I can't wait until he moves to NASCAR... It is still ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkout4trucks Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 i'm so curious to see the effect this has on the subaru/dc market. block had a near cult following. if it goes ford i'll go ape shit. high-end fords are nice but ugh... other than that ive never had a positive experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegacyMUN2k6 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 The ricers' on nasioc, are now in extreme tears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viber Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 I wonder how much of Subaru's sales increase is due to him and his videos. I'm sure there is a certain class of Subaru customer that purchased their car due to Block's videos It's probably not a huge amount, but its there And I sense a lot of butt hurt in this thread... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonsix Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Can't blame the guy, he wants to race WRC and can't do that with Subaru. Aren't there only like two or three automakers that are left in WRC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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