The motorsport world on Tuesday received the unfortunate news of Ken Block passing away after a snowmobile accident. The rally racing driver and Youtuber’s snowmobile upended on a steep slope and landed on top of him.
He was declared dead at the scene of the incident. The death of the 55-year-old sent shockwaves on the Internet, with many even pouring tributes for him.
He was indeed a well-known figure in rally racing. He once even took on F1’s best, Lewis Hamilton and gave a strong challenge to the seven-time world champion.
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Ken Block goes against Lewis Hamilton
The two stalwarts of motorsport met around eight years ago when Hamilton freshly came to Mercedes. The Briton brought his W04 to Barbados and was going up against Block in his Rally car.
Although the F1 cars are way superior to any other motorsport series cars, Block’s car had its advantages in its track. At the start of the race between the two, Block even had a better start than Hamilton, as the acceleration was almost identical.
But soon, Hamilton overcame the initial hiccup and was leading the circuit. On the other hand, Block entertained the crowd by making his car go airborne after climbing over an installed elevation.
In the end, the W04 crossed the chequered flag first. The event ended with the two drivers doing donuts for the fans. Hamilton even lifted his hands from the steering wheel while rotating his car.
Twitter is in shock
The news of Block dying filled multiple tributes for him on social media. His legacy for the motorsport was acknowledged, and fans mourned his loss.
An icon of drift in car world, the most talented guy out there has just left this world. Not gonna get the new video’s notification anymore💔 i really loved the way he would make his car drift. What an amazing man we’ve lost today#KenBlock pic.twitter.com/nuUcmEXzXf
— Torpedo (@Torpedo_______) January 3, 2023
Ken Block passed away today. He recently filmed this video on the Las Vegas Strip #RIP pic.twitter.com/NQdgEoLMw5
— Tony Cordasco (@TonyDasco) January 3, 2023
Jenson Button also resorted to Twitter to express his shock at Block’s demise. The Briton race driver commented that the American rally driver was a visionary and did a lot for this sport.
In shock at the passing of Ken Block.
Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile.
Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man.
Sending love & hugs to the Block family 💙 #ripKen. pic.twitter.com/6HNhfSfc3R
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) January 3, 2023
Block married Lucy Block and had three daughters, the eldest being only 16 years old. Block even posted about her getting the first car on his Twitter before his death.
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