Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison doing a wheelie inside a plane's carcass - video screencap

The worlds of motocross and rallycross are already quite intertwined, so DC Shoes has apparently decided to go a little further by putting together a Gymkhana-style event for dirtbikes. For this video, Australian stunt motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison is let loose inside of an airplane graveyard making for some interesting, fun-to-watch stunts.

Maddison starts off by tackling some whoops made out of external wing fuel tanks, and the action just gets better from there as he uses planes and various plane parts. (Note: Although the entire video is almost 11 minutes in length, it takes about two minutes for the action to get started and there are almost four minutes of credits at the end).

It isn't clear if DC Shoes plans on creating a series like it has with Ken Block and Gymkhana, but we sure wouldn't mind seeing this kind of action on a regular basis. Check it out for yourself in the video posted below.

Continue reading Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard

Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air.craftaircraftairplane graveyarddc shoesmotocrossmotorcycle stuntsrobbie maddisonstunt ridingstunt videovideoTue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/20458323/article-detail.xml 20458323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/robbie-maddison-air.craft_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/robbie-maddison-air.craft.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Gymkhana 5 was released in early July, but we're only just getting the obligatory behind-the-scenes video of the DC Shoes and Ken Block extravaganza now. A BTS video on a Hollywood production is usually "This is how we got this shot right," whereas in this kind of video, it's often "This how many way potential ways we might get this shot wrong."

There's plenty of both as Block and crew show how the stunts around San Francisco were executed, including the scenes at Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, Twin Peaks, Battery Street, the Bay Bridge and the barge in the bay. You can also watch Travis Pastrana working the rust out of his bike-handling skills and getting hit by Block during a stunt. All the sideways-sliding Ford Fiesta rally car action is in the video below.

Continue reading Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of

Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fiestadc shoesfiestafordgymkhanagymkhana 5ken blockrallycrosstravis pastranavideoFri, 21 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/20409012/article-detail.xml 20409012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gymkahan5bts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gymkahan5bts.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ken Block Gymkhana 5 screencap - Fiesta leaping in San Francisco

Ken Block has officially released Gymkhana 5. This time, everyone's favorite shoe-salesman has unleashed his 650-horsepower Ford Fiesta on the quiet streets of San Francisco. How's that for an impressive venue? Cleared of traffic, the hilly terrain makes for a perfect playground. The video spends plenty of time getting up close and personal with the city's famous trolleys before moving to the Port of San Francisco. There's also an impressive bit of hotshoeing on a barge in the bay as well. This time, Block has brought along a special friend to help him send tires to their smoky graves.

Travis Pastrana has hopped on a bike for the first time since his massive crash at the X Games a year ago, and the two proceed to craft a mechanized ballet for everyone to enjoy. That's cool and all, but we enjoyed watching Block vault the Fiesta for some serious air time. Check out the video below for yourself. It's ten minutes of insanity.

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived

Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesfiestaford fiestagymkhanagymkhana 5ken blockken block gymkhana 5rallycrossvideoMon, 09 Jul 2012 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/20274082/article-detail.xml 20274082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ken-block-gymkhana-5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ken-block-gymkhana-5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymhkhana: The Infographic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/ken-blocks-gymhkhana-the-infographic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/ken-blocks-gymhkhana-the-infographic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/ken-blocks-gymhkhana-the-infographic/#commentsFiled under:



We shouldn't have to wait much longer to officially declare that the Ken Block Gymkhana franchise has gone from viral to pandemic. With more than 134 million views for the four videos in the series, it feeds off itself now and has ejected its spores into fashion, toys and an entity called "Extreme Entertainment."

Block's DC Shoes crew has put together an infographic of the phenomenon, laying out everything from comparative viewership - his 135 million versus the NBA's 21.3 million during the entire 2011 season, for instance, to the meaning of his livery to how many tires it takes to capture five digitized minutes of Gymkhana action. If you've been bit by Gymkhana and you're looking for more hair of the dog, you'll find it all in the infographic.

Ken Block's Gymhkhana: The Infographic originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesdriftinggymkhanainfographicken blockken block gymkhahaThu, 07 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20251657/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/ken-blocks-gymhkhana-the-infographic/20251657/article-detail.xml 20251657 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gymkhanainfo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gymkhanainfo.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/toyota-unloads-bounty-of-sema-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/toyota-unloads-bounty-of-sema-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/toyota-unloads-bounty-of-sema-rides/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Yaris B-Spec

Toyota is bringing an arsenal of custom vehicles to SEMA 2011, including three pickups and one very cool Yaris B-Spec Racer. The pint-sized bruiser is based on the 2012 Yaris SE and should be bashing fenders with the rest of the SCCA B-Spec class contenders soon. Toyota says that Jamie Bestwick, of BMX fame, will campaign the car in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America in Elkhart, Wisconsin. The car features all of the hardware necessary to meet spec, including an eight-point SCCA roll cage, fire-suppression system, race seat, and six-point harness.

Toyota also has something special for those of you who prefer to take your racing off the track. The Long Beach Racers Tacoma is inspired by the upcoming Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series, and features custom 60mm Bilstein race shocks, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, a 50-gallon fuel cell and a big-brake kit among other goodies. All of that kit will come to bear when the truck heads to the Baja 1000 next year.

DC Shoes and West Coast Customs will also show off a unique Toyota Tundra built just for the motocross crowd while Oakley crafted a special Surf Tacoma to cater to the surfers of the world. A pre-production version of the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series pickup will also be on display as will the Camry Daytona 500 pace car.

Toyota unloads bounty of SEMA rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camrydc shoesoakleysccascca yarissemasema 2011tacomatoyotatundrawest coast customsyarisyaris b-specFri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/toyota-unloads-bounty-of-sema-rides/20093003/article-detail.xml 20093003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/yarisbspecmain-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/yarisbspecmain-opt.jpg <![CDATA[DC Shoes aiming to shut down Gymkhana GRID events for trademark infringement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/dc-shoes-aiming-to-shut-down-gymkhana-grid-events-for-trademark/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/dc-shoes-aiming-to-shut-down-gymkhana-grid-events-for-trademark/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/dc-shoes-aiming-to-shut-down-gymkhana-grid-events-for-trademark/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Fiesta HFHV

A few years ago, only a handful of gearheads had heard the term gymkhana. But when Ken Block's Gymkhana Practice video went viral, the word went mainstream. More Gymkhana videos followed, each getting more elaborate and commercialized with higher and higher production values. The video game DiRT 3 even launched a gymkhana mode.

With the popularity of gymkhana growing, it was inevitable that a competition would be created. Late last year, the Gymkhana GRID Invitational was launched, pitting professional drivers head-to-head on a course designed by Ken Block. Like many of you, we assumed that Block had organized the event. After all, his name was in the event title and it was even sponsored by DC Shoes and Monster Energy.

The man behind the event, however, was Chris Willard. And while Block had helped promote the event and get it sponsored, Willard was the one who organized the initial Gymkhana GRID. He had hopes of creating an entire series of competitions, with the next event scheduled for later this month in Hollywood, CA. That's not happening now, as he's received a cease and desist letter from DC Shoes regarding the use of the Gymkhana name. We dug a little deeper to find out more about why DC wants the event shut down and who really has the rights to the Gymkhana name.

Continue reading DC Shoes aiming to shut down Gymkhana GRID events for trademark infringement

DC Shoes aiming to shut down Gymkhana GRID events for trademark infringement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris willardd.c. shoesdc shoesfeaturedgymkhanagymkhana gridken blockTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/dc-shoes-aiming-to-shut-down-gymkhana-grid-events-for-trademark/20072771/article-detail.xml 20072771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-fiesta-hfhv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-fiesta-hfhv.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 is automotive hoonage, Hollywood style]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-is-automotive-hoonage-hollywood-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-is-automotive-hoonage-hollywood-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-is-automotive-hoonage-hollywood-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ken Block Gymkhana 4

If you're Ken Block and you feel the need to top your previous and ridiculously popular Gymkhana videos with a fourth installment, what do you do? Why, turn to Hollywood, of course. For Gymkhana 4, Block and his DC Shoes crew travel to the Universal Studios lot, and, as such, you'll see plenty of classic movie props in this film.

Let's see... we've got Back to the Future, Jaws, Zombieland and Slumdog Millionaire for starters, along with a couple of gorillas and Segways. But it's the automotive action you're most interested in, right? And in that case, we've got more good news for you: Block's sideways smokey action in back in full effect, and this time, he crashes through buildings, dodges animatronic sharks and pirouettes around the guys from Epic Meal Time.

All in, you'll find just over nine minutes of automotive hoonage starring Block's Ford Fiesta Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, punctuated by movie references and product placement along with plenty of special effects and insane camera angles. See it all for yourself right after the break.

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 is automotive hoonage, Hollywood style

Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 is automotive hoonage, Hollywood style originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesfiestafordford fiesta hybrid function hoon vehiclegymkhanagymkhana 4ken blockuniversal studiosTue, 16 Aug 2011 14:48:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20019189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/16/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-is-automotive-hoonage-hollywood-style/20019189/article-detail.xml 20019189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/gymkhana-4-opt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/gymkhana-4-opt2.jpg <![CDATA[Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/gymkhana-4-production-underway-arriving-late-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/gymkhana-4-production-underway-arriving-late-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/gymkhana-4-production-underway-arriving-late-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ken block and his 2011 ford fiesta hfhv on the set of gymkhana four

A new car, updated livery and a fresh set of tires can only mean one thing for Ken Block - a new Gymkhana video is in the works, and it's slated to take over YouTube sometime this summer. The new instrument of driving precision and rubber destruction is Block's Ford Fiesta Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle.

Gymkhana Four will no doubt be another internet sensation, one that will add to the constantly growing mass of people who've viewed the previous three videos. To date, Gymkhana installments one through three have been watched over 110 million times, with Gymkhana Three making its way on to YouTube's list of Top 10 Videos of 2010.

Whether you think it's merely a marketing stunt, a display of skill behind the wheel or something in between, there's little doubt that you're going to watch it. We'll do the same, and you'll be sure to find it here on Autoblog when Ken Block and DC Shoes release the finished version. For now, you can get a taste of what's to come by checking out the image gallery above.

Continue reading Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer

Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesfiestaford fiestaford fiesta hfhvford fiesta hybrid function hoon vehiclegymkhanagymkhana 4gymkhana fourgymkhana videoken blockWed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20002157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/27/gymkhana-4-production-underway-arriving-late-summer/20002157/article-detail.xml 20002157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gymkhana-four-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gymkhana-four-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block Gymkhana, tilt-shift edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/ken-block-gymkhana-tilt-shift-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/ken-block-gymkhana-tilt-shift-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/ken-block-gymkhana-tilt-shift-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DiRT3 Promo
Ken Block's DiRT 3 promo in tilt shift - Click above to watch video after the jump

We don't know when tilt-shift video will be old and busted, but it isn't today. Ken Block's recent busting-through-boxes DiRT 3 Gymkhana at the Battersea power station rocked hard enough in full scale. It looks even cooler - or perhaps it's just wackier and funnier - shot with a tilt-shift lens so that it looks like a tiny Ken Block is piloting a tiny Escort knocking over tiny boxes. The only thing stranger than the images is the music, which kept us wondering when the Harajuku girls were going to appear. They don't, but the still-awesome Harajuku-free video is after the jump.

Continue reading Ken Block Gymkhana, tilt-shift edition

Ken Block Gymkhana, tilt-shift edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battersea power stationcodemastersdc shoesdirt 3dirt3ken block dirt 3Ken Block Gymkhanavideo gamevideo gamesSat, 18 Jun 2011 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/18/ken-block-gymkhana-tilt-shift-edition/19970362/article-detail.xml 19970362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kenblocktiltshift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kenblocktiltshift.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block busting through boxes in DiRT 3 promo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/ken-block-busting-through-boxes-in-dirt-3-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/ken-block-busting-through-boxes-in-dirt-3-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/ken-block-busting-through-boxes-in-dirt-3-promo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ken block dirt 3 promo
Ken Block DiRT 3 promo - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We can never get enough of Ken Block's Gymkhana, and we're pretty sure that many of you feel the same way. Lucky for us, Block and Codemasters have the launch of DiRT 3 to look forward to, making a new drift video a no-brainer.

Watch Block as he hops behind the wheel of the Ford Focus Rally car at London's Battersea Power Station, the same place he took a bikini model from Zoo Magazine for a ride. As always, Block traverses some keenly placed obstacles whilst drifting and doing donuts all the way. As a special sendoff to DiRT 3, Block also drifts through a series of stacked DiRT 3 boxes, which we hope aren't filled with copies of the $59 game.

Hit the jump to watch the slide-master do his thing. This may not be Block's best work, but it isn't often that we actually enjoy being bombarded with advertising.

Continue reading Ken Block busting through boxes in DiRT 3 promo

Ken Block busting through boxes in DiRT 3 promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesdirt 3dirt3driftinggymkhanaken blockrally racingvideo gameThu, 19 May 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19945213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/19/ken-block-busting-through-boxes-in-dirt-3-promo/19945213/article-detail.xml 19945213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/ken-block-dirt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/ken-block-dirt3.jpg <![CDATA[Videos: Ken Block releases alternate edits of Gymkhana 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/videos-ken-block-releases-alternate-edits-of-gymkhana-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/videos-ken-block-releases-alternate-edits-of-gymkhana-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/videos-ken-block-releases-alternate-edits-of-gymkhana-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken Block Gymkhana 3
Ken Block Gymkhana 3 trick edits - Click above to watch video

As if Ken Block's Gymkhana series weren't popular enough, the DC Shoes owner/hotshoe has released eight (8) new edits of Gymkhana 3, each focusing on a different aspect of Block's behind-the-wheel trickery.

The videos, all of which can be viewed after the jump, highlight the more impressive of Block's tricks, like a rainy-day rolling 360 and a nearly impossible wall tap that leaves just a slight rubber smudge on the white concrete. There's also an in-depth look at Block's execution of the famed 51-degree bank wall ride.

Of the eight vids, two are dedicated to a behind-the-scenes look at Gymkhana 3 and the making of a limited-edition Gymkhana 3 drip poster, signed in paint pen by Block himself. According to Block, the videos are meant to celebrate the success of Gymkhana 1, 2 and 3 and give fans something else to sink their teeth into. Check out all 8 videos after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Videos: Ken Block releases alternate edits of Gymkhana 3

Videos: Ken Block releases alternate edits of Gymkhana 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesfiestafordgymkhanagymkhana 3ken blockMon, 28 Feb 2011 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19862163/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/28/videos-ken-block-releases-alternate-edits-of-gymkhana-3/19862163/article-detail.xml 19862163 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/block-slide_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/block-slide.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Ken Block hypes Gymkhana GRID Invitational]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/video-ken-block-hypes-gymkhana-grid-invitational/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/video-ken-block-hypes-gymkhana-grid-invitational/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/video-ken-block-hypes-gymkhana-grid-invitational/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken Block presents Gymkhana GRID Invitational
Ken Block presents the Gymkhana GRID Invitational - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you haven't seen parts one, two or three of Ken Block's Gymkhana clips, then this must be your first time on the internet. First off, thanks for checking out Autoblog.com and second, you should probably click links one, two and three from the previous sentence... sorry, a "link" is one of the underlined words. Okay. Block is looking to expand Gymkhana from the solo event that we have now seen and turn it into a head-to-head automotive showdown, complete with tire-smoking, limiter-popping action.

The Gymkhana GRID, which will take place December 3 and 4 at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California, is a one-on-one showdown where two drivers attack mirrored examples of a course designed by Ken Block. A host of hot shoes will be on hand to try and knock Block off the top of the podium, including Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gitten Jr. and Andrew Comrie-Picard. Notably absent is one Travis Pastrana, which the video uses as a chance to call him out for making the move to NASCAR.

The Gymkhana GRID nonetheless sounds like it will be a rather fun event to watch - especially because of the level of talent taking to the track. Grab the e-brake and slide across the jump to check out a trailer for the event (*WARNING: language may be not safe for work).

[Source: Ken Block via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block hypes Gymkhana GRID Invitational

Video: Ken Block hypes Gymkhana GRID Invitational originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acpandrew comrie-picardDC shoesgymkhanagymkhana gridirwindale speedwayken blockken block gymkhanatanner fousttravis pastranavaugh gitten jrvideoWed, 01 Dec 2010 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19739861/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/01/video-ken-block-hypes-gymkhana-grid-invitational/19739861/article-detail.xml 19739861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/block_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/block.jpg <![CDATA[Gymkhana Two named one of 10 best viral ads of all time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/gymkhana-two-named-one-of-10-best-viral-ads-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/gymkhana-two-named-one-of-10-best-viral-ads-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/gymkhana-two-named-one-of-10-best-viral-ads-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ken Block Gymkhana 2.0
Ken Block's Gymkhana Two - Click above to watch the video after the break

When it comes to Ken Block and DC Shoes' Gymkhana videos, we'd argue that the trilogy is dominated by the very first flick. It spawned countless tributes - thanks in part to the fact that the automotive internet community had never seen anything quite so amazing. The lonesome airfield, an epic Crawford-prepped Subaru WRX STI and an, um... Segway had never before come together to create such a piece of cinematic glory. Unfortunately, according to Advertising Age, all of that isn't enough to make the first video one of the all-time most successful viral marketing campaigns. That honor goes to Gymkhana 2.

With a grand total of 32.9 million views and counting, Block's second take on selling shoes by sliding sideways took the number 10 slot on the magazine's list of viral wonders. Other winners include the infamous Old Spice Twitter responses, a Doritos ad and the Xbox project Natal. Of course, the all-time champion of hawking wares via the internet is still Blendtec. That company has managed to draw in 134.3 million YouTube views since it started chopping up random objects in 2006.

All that said, we highly suggest you click on past the break to relive all the Gymkhana Two action in high-definition video glory.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading Gymkhana Two named one of 10 best viral ads of all time

Gymkhana Two named one of 10 best viral ads of all time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC ShoesGymkhanaGymkhana 2gymkhana twoKen BlockKen Block GymkhanaViral MarketingFri, 10 Sep 2010 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19627558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/10/gymkhana-two-named-one-of-10-best-viral-ads-of-all-time/19627558/article-detail.xml 19627558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ken-block-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ken-block-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/ken-blocks-gymkhana-3-part-1-is-not-like-the-others-part-2-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/ken-blocks-gymkhana-3-part-1-is-not-like-the-others-part-2-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/ken-blocks-gymkhana-3-part-1-is-not-like-the-others-part-2-co/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gymkhana 3: Part 1 - Click above to watch video after the jump

The long awaited countdown to rally superstar Ken Block's Gymkhana 3 video has ended, and what was revealed today is a music video featuring a hip-hop group named The Cool Kids, with a little bit of Ken Block and his rally Fiesta sprinkled in.

Unlike the last two Gymkhana videos, which became instant YouTube sensations thanks to non-stop footage of Block doing amazing stunts behind the wheel of his rally Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback, Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is a straight up music video informercial that shows off Block's DC apparel and products more than his driving skill. When we do see the rally Fiesta in its Gymkhana debut, Block is either doing donuts or driving it directly into - and not around - things like paint cans and fluorescent bulbs.

We contacted Ken Block's crew to see what the deal is, and were told that the plan is to separate the marketing from what the kids really want, which is footage of Block doing things with a car that prove he's superhuman behind the wheel. So Part 1 of Gymkhana 3 is the one with the marketing message, while Part 2 we're told will be much more like Gymkhana 1 with just the driving footage. When we asked when we can expect Gymkhana 3: Part 2 to drop, early-to-mid September was the answer.

Check out Gymkhana 3: Part 1 for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September

Ken Block's Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesDcShoesgymkhana 3gymkhana 3 part 1ken blockthe cool kidsTue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19606496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/24/ken-blocks-gymkhana-3-part-1-is-not-like-the-others-part-2-co/19606496/article-detail.xml 19606496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/kenblockgymkhana3opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/kenblockgymkhana3opt.jpg <![CDATA[Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/offspeed-pitch-richard-petty-joins-ken-block-aj-allmendinger-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/offspeed-pitch-richard-petty-joins-ken-block-aj-allmendinger-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/offspeed-pitch-richard-petty-joins-ken-block-aj-allmendinger-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Brace yourself, race fans. Things are about to get a little weird. Ford has decided to meld the seemingly unmeldable worlds of NASCAR and rally to help promote the 2011 Fiesta. Ken Block, Richard Petty and AJ Allmendinger have joined forces as an unholy trifecta of motorsports action, unified by their common love of the number 43. We don't need to tell you that Petty famously campaigned old four-three in the heyday of NASCAR, netting 200 Sprint Cup wins and a total of seven championships in the process. Meanwhile, Block has established himself as one of America's flashiest rally drivers, while Allmendinger has inherited Petty's 43 throne in the current NASCAR series.

The three unlikely amigos will be campaigning for the Blue Oval's new '43 Fiestas' sweepstakes, where entrants will have the opportunity to lay their hands on a bevy of prizes. A total of 43 first-place prize winners will walk away with a 40-inch LED-LCD HD flat-screen television, while another 43 grand-prize winners will receive airfare, lodging and tickets for two to the Ford 300 Nationwide series and the Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If that wasn't swank enough, one of the 43 grand-prize winners will drive home in a 2011 Fiesta.

But wait, there's more. Should Allmendinger happen to take the checkered at the end of the race, all 43 grand-prize winners will win their very own Fiesta. Head over to the 43 Fiestas site to enter for you chance to win. You can also hop the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES


Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ford via 43Fiestas.com]

Continue reading Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta?

Offspeed Pitch: Richard Petty joins Ken Block, AJ Allmendinger in marketing Ford Fiesta? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiesta4343 Fiestas43FiestasAJ AllmendingerAjAllmendingerdc shoesDcShoesFiestafiesta contestfiesta giveawayfiesta sweepstakesFiestaContestFiestaGiveawayFiestaSweepstakesFordFord FiestaFordFiestaKen BlockKenBlockking richardKingRichardNASCARpettyRichard PettyRichardPettySprint CupSprintCupMon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19595268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/16/offspeed-pitch-richard-petty-joins-ken-block-aj-allmendinger-i/19595268/article-detail.xml 19595268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/43-fiestas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/43-fiestas.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/ken-block-reveals-possible-fiesta-special-edition-collaboration/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/ken-block-reveals-possible-fiesta-special-edition-collaboration/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/ken-block-reveals-possible-fiesta-special-edition-collaboration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!


Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta


[Source: KROQ]

Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 fiesta2011 ford fiesta2011Fiesta2011FordFiestablock GymkhanaBlockGymkhanablue ovalBlueOvalDC shoesDcShoesfiestaford fiestaFordFiestaGymkhanagymkhana videoGymkhanaVideoken blockken block fiestaken block gymkhanaKenBlockKenBlockFiestaKenBlockGymkhanaWed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19571584/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/28/ken-block-reveals-possible-fiesta-special-edition-collaboration/19571584/article-detail.xml 19571584 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-block-gym3-live-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-block-gym3-live-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block soliciting ideas for Gymkhana Three, winner gets a free ride!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/ken-block-soliciting-ideas-for-gymkhana-three-winner-gets-a-fre/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/ken-block-soliciting-ideas-for-gymkhana-three-winner-gets-a-fre/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/ken-block-soliciting-ideas-for-gymkhana-three-winner-gets-a-fre/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ken Block wants your gymkhana ideas - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ken Block may not be having the best run in the history of the World Rally Championship, but the guy is still one helluva driver. Naysayers need look no farther than his recent head to head bout with former F1 champ Kimi Raikkonen for proof. Oh, and his series of mind-bending gymkhana videos. From the sound of things, Block and DC Shoes are currently in the process of coming up with the next round of insane car stunts, and since the internet is filled with those who know better, the duo has turned to the web for suggestions.

Think Block should set up his next gymkhana course through a Monster Truck Jam rally while the big boys run it at the same time? Tell him. There's a chance the guy will send you some swag. Everything from autographed posters to other gear are up for grabs, and one lucky soul will be invited out to a day of filming, complete with a ride along from the man himself. Sound like fun? Of course it does. Head over to the DC site to get your ideas into the mix, and check out Block's personal invitation after the jump, complete with glowing Fiesta rotors.

[Source: DC Shoes]

Continue reading Ken Block soliciting ideas for Gymkhana Three, winner gets a free ride!

Ken Block soliciting ideas for Gymkhana Three, winner gets a free ride! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC ShoesDcShoesFiestaGymkahana 3Gymkahana3GymkhanaKen BlockKen Block FiestaKen Block Gymkahan 3Ken Block Gymkhana ThreeKenBlockKenBlockFiestaKenBlockGymkahan3KenBlockGymkhanaThreeMon, 07 Jun 2010 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19504114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/07/ken-block-soliciting-ideas-for-gymkhana-three-winner-gets-a-fre/19504114/article-detail.xml 19504114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ken-block_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ken-block.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Ken Block's one and only Rally Focus test before Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/video-ken-blocks-one-and-only-rally-focus-test-before-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/video-ken-blocks-one-and-only-rally-focus-test-before-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/video-ken-blocks-one-and-only-rally-focus-test-before-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken Block testing the Ford Rally Focus before last weekend's Rally Mexico - Click above to watch video after the jump

A snowy, icy and muddy Greystoke Forest in England probably isn't the best place for a new rally driver to practice for the WRC's Rally Mexico, but that's where Ken Block had to get his testing done, and he had just one day to do it. Follow the jump to watch the DC Shoes maestro getting to grips with his steed. Having already seen the results of the race, it appears he didn't do all bad.

[Source: Monster World Rally]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block's one and only Rally Focus test before Mexico

Video: Ken Block's one and only Rally Focus test before Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC ShoesDcShoesken blockKenBlockmonster world rally teamMonsterWorldRallyTeamworld rally championshipWorldRallyChampionshipwrcTue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19387472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/09/video-ken-blocks-one-and-only-rally-focus-test-before-mexico/19387472/article-detail.xml 19387472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/fordblock-wrc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/fordblock-wrc.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Hot For Words</i> investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-hot-for-words-investigates-ken-blocks-gymkhana/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-hot-for-words-investigates-ken-blocks-gymkhana/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/video-hot-for-words-investigates-ken-blocks-gymkhana/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hot For Words host Marina - Click above to watch the video

Can you believe it's been one solid year since we first saw Ken Block's eye-popping, mind-numbing, death-defying Gymkhana video? How time flies when you're hooning it at 11/10s.To celebrate this monumental moment in the history of car-related YouTubeage, DC Shoes (Mr. Block's extreme sports clothing company) has gone ahead and put together an "investigation" into the whole Gymkhana phenomenon. And if you can get past (or get into, take your pick) Marina's highly modified assets, the video's loaded with some good stuff.

For instance, Block never intended to start a cult of Gymkhana. He'd built up a 530 hp Subaru WRX to compete in a Gymkhana event that was canceled leaving Ken with a car but no race. And get this -- over 24,000,000 people have watched the original Gymkhana video -- that's more folks than have watch all of Harmony Korine's last three movies, times two! And if you don't like this video, hop on over to 0-60mag.com, where they've not only got the Hot For Words clip, but a full seven pages of Ken Block/Gymkhana related footage. One hoon to rule them all indeed. Full video, after the jump.

[Source: 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana

VIDEO: Hot For Words investigates Ken Block's Gymkhana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC ShoesDcShoesGymkhanaHot for WordsHotForWordsKen BlockKenBlockSubaru WRXSubaruWrxThu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19234019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/12/video-hot-for-words-investigates-ken-blocks-gymkhana/19234019/article-detail.xml 19234019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/block1leader-1257993061_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/block1leader-1257993061.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/video-travis-pastrana-does-tricks-on-dc-shoe-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/video-travis-pastrana-does-tricks-on-dc-shoe-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/video-travis-pastrana-does-tricks-on-dc-shoe-bike/#commentsFiled under: ,

Travis Pastrana's DC Shoe Bike - Click above to watch the video after the break

When we first stumbled upon this video from the fertile minds at DC Shoes - think Travis Pastrana and Ken Block - we asked ourselves the only logical question we could muster: What the heck is a Shoe Bike? Turns out that it's exactly what you'd expect - that is, if you'd ever expect such a thing to exist at all, but we digress. Travis Pastrana's Shoe Bike is a motocross machine that's had its wheels replaced with rolling hoops made from DC Shoes.

As you might expect, Pastrana has some crazy things in mind for the Shoe Bike... not the least of which are plenty of insane jumps many riders would never attempt even with standard rolling stock, sustained wheelies and burnouts. Right, with shoes instead of tires. Backflips? Sure, why not. This is Travis Pastrana after all. See for yourself in the video pasted after the break.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike

VIDEO: Travis Pastrana does tricks on DC Shoe Bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesDcShoesken blockKenBlockpastranashoe bikeShoeBiketravis pastranatravis pastrana shoe bikeTravisPastranaTravisPastranaShoeBikeWed, 04 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19221643/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/04/video-travis-pastrana-does-tricks-on-dc-shoe-bike/19221643/article-detail.xml 19221643 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/dc-shoe-bike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/dc-shoe-bike.jpg -1 2