📰 Auto News REPORT: Ken Block heading to WRC with new Monster Ford team

[Bru]

I think Ken is going to get a big fat reality check on his skills if he goes to WRC. At the XGames he and Pastrana put on a good show but were beat easily by an experienced racer.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-ken-block-heading-to-wrc-with-new-monster-ford-team/

One of the most significant deals in rally history. That's how news of Ken Block's imminent move to the World Rally Championship is being touted in the motorsport press. And we couldn't agree more.

Now don't get us wrong. We enjoy watching Block's famous antics behind the wheel of his purpose-built Gymkhana Subaru Impreza as much as the next guy. Probably more. But we can't help but feel that the superstar's otherworldly car control skills couldn't be put to better use than pure showboating. And this deal could give him exactly that opportunity, graduating from the relatively low-visibility Rally America series to the top-tier WRC.

Since Subaru, for whom Block competes in the USA, pulled out of the WRC, Ken's been hunting for another ride in the premier series, and reports now indicate that he – along with former Subaru driver Chris Atkinson – will be driving the 2009-spec Ford Focus WRC for the new Monster Energy Drink World Rally Team (which could, incidentally, go some way towards explaining what the two rally stars were doing behind the wheel of that old Ford Escort). Once the details are hammered out, both Block and Atkinson are expected to start next season in select rounds of the championship before challenging the full calendar the year after, presumably behind the wheel of the new rally-spec Fiesta.

Click to read more...

 

[Eagle]

Dude looks like a toolbox in that pic. I always enjoy watching the vids of him rippin on that subie tho!

 

[skeezer]

 

[Handsome Jesus]

he always seemed like kind of a tool when I worked on rally america teams. and really him and pastrana weren't all that fast. the unfortunate thing here though is that Rally america will prolly start a downturn with one of the big names leaving the scene.

They should be a whole lot faster if they get paid to drive all day, and have the best cars on the course...

they were fun to party with though

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Hmmm I feel this is a poor choice. Will be funny to watch though!

 

[Bru]

he always seemed like kind of a tool when I worked on rally america teams. and really him and pastrana weren't all that fast. the unfortunate thing here though is that Rally america will prolly start a downturn with one of the big names leaving the scene.

They should be a whole lot faster if they get paid to drive all day, and have the best cars on the course...

they were fun to party with though

I didn't know you worked on Rally America teams. Very nice

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Yes more info needed Double d.

 

[Handsome Jesus]

I worked for a bit on a team with john bottoms, GNM racing. They were one of the three N class teams before N class was removed. N class is basically a stock engine class, stock IC, limited weight reduction, but with full suspension upgrades etc that a rally car would have.

Pastrana and Block run open class obviously, they race for factory subaru. their trailer is so freakin' massive... anyway their cars make power like crazy.

when I was with GNM we were finishing stages faster than Pastrana, in a car with 100+ less horsepower, and 400+ lbs more weight. Bottoms used to be faster too, but was in a really wild accident and slowed down after that. He used to win races in a 2.5 RS (non turbo) versus built turbo cars. he was scary fast. his co-driver used to be scared even. and these are professionals.

either way, GNM parties HARD. we had a pitcher of Grey goose after the rally was over. I have the bottle signed by all the people in the rally america circuit either way it was a sweet experience. I still have a business card for a rally car builder somewhere...

and yeah.

Long story short: travis and block are alright, just not incredible. and we got them piss ass drunk. oh and rally cars are awesome. 104 unleaded smells awesome at 4:30 AM in the snow.

 

[Eagle]

 

[Bru]

Badass dude

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

That is fucking sweet!

 

[Handsome Jesus]

"Stop groveling! I cant stand groveling!"

LOL yeah it was prolly the best part of college hands down. I'll put up some pics later. they are on my facebook somewhere...

 

[skeezer]

i want to be double dees friend on facebook

 

[Handsome Jesus]

Dennis Ladendorf

 

[BillyBru]

Gymkhana. oh I love it. I hope he can do more than just drift awesomely.

i want to be double dees friend on facebook

x2 haha

 

[Handsome Jesus]

well then everybody be my friend. My name is up there ^^^

 

[IDAFC21]

cool story double d

block is definitely not gonna be the fastest guy out there if this happens, he even said himself its just about gettin out there and gettin the experience. im just more excited about seeing atkinson back behind the wheel