The Monster World Rally Team released pictures of Ken Block's 2010 Ford Fiesta livery to make its debut at the Sno*Drift Rally, January 29-30th!
Earlier this year, Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes, came on board the Monster World Rally Team to campaign a Ford Fiesta in in the Rally America Championship and a Ford Focus in the World Rally Championship. Until today, many speculated what the car would look like and now fans will get to see a preview of what is to come at the first round of the Rally America Series.
The Sno*Drift Rally - held in the middle of winter in northeastern lower Michigan - takes place where snowmobiles and Elk probably outnumber cars. As in past years the rally is headquartered in Atlanta, Michigan but it also passes through the towns of Lewiston and Hillman.
Winter conditions in Michigan are hard to predict, but some combination of fresh snow and glazed ice can always be expected. Current rules restrict rally cars from using studded ice tires which makes finding traction extremely difficult for the drivers. If there has been good snowfall in the days leading up to the rally expect to see large snowbanks lining the roads. These snowbanks can be a help and a hazard for drivers as they try to stay on the road. Dress for warmth and don't forget to bring your snowmobile
Ken Block Joins Ford for WRC and Rally America
Now, even Ken Block is Driving One. A Ford, that is. Ken Block, the California-based action sports icon- turned-rally driver, traded in his old car for a Ford and some great 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 Federation Internationale de L'Automobile World Rally Championship and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games.
1/6/2010
Dearborn, Mich. — 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 Federation Internationale de L’Automobile World Rally Championship 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 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.”
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