Autoblog

Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Ken Block and his crew from DC Shoes didn't exactly stun the world with Part I of Gymkhana 3. The clip was more music video than sideways action, and after worshipping the first two hoon-laden pieces of cinematic glory, we were all expecting, well, more. Fortunately, it appears that Block has his heart set on delivering. According to Jalopnik, Part II will feature all of the tire and wheel-shredding glory we've come to expect from the rally world's number-one showboat. The team began teasing the next installment with a Craigslist ad hawking a pair of very abused 18-inch Volk wheels. Whatever the next clip entails, we're nearly guaranteed to see some sparks fly.

The next video is set to drop on September 14, and was supposedly filmed in France using the team's beastly Ford Fiesta rally beater. Can it top the sheer magic of Gymkhana I? Miracles do happen.

[Source: Craigslist via Jalopnik]

Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ken Block's ADAC Rally prep is no match for mechanical failure

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Ken Block preps for the ADAC Rally - Click above to watch video after the jump

They don't call it the World Rally Championship for nothing. The globe's best and brightest descend on the pinnacle of the rally sport to duke it out all over the planet, and while Ken Block hasn't fared as well as predicted this season, he's at least made it to the point where he can step into the ring. Right before Block took to the ADAC Rally in a new Focus bruiser, he sat down to answer a few questions from the likes of the crew at 0-60 Magazine. At the time, Block had never ran a tarmac WRC rally and was busy practicing the wheels off of the new car.

That practice served him well. For the first time, it looked like Block was going to land points with a ninth place finish over all until the car's alternator died on day three, effectively banishing him to the back of the pack once more. There's just no beating bad luck. Hit the jump to watch the interview for yourself.

[Source: 0-60 Magazine via Cold Track Days]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block's ADAC Rally prep is no match for mechanical failure

Video: Ken Block's ADAC Rally prep is no match for mechanical failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities

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.

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Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Humor

Ken Block takes out the trash - Click above to watch video after the jump

At some point during the development of the American vernacular, the term "grocery getter" became a term of condescension. Thing is, lugging around a few bags of consumables and clipping apexes don't have to be mutually exclusive. Ford is hoping the average U.S. car buyer has outgrown the prejudices of his forebearers and is willing to jump into something with a hatchback. To help dispel any lingering thoughts of boredom, the Blue Oval has called on none other than Ken Block to use his guano-crazy Fiesta WRC rally racer to take care of a few household chores. Sideways.

The quick clip after the jump is filled with the kind of car control we've come to expect from Block, even with his recent run of bad luck in the WRC. If you like what you see in the video, you can register for a chance to win a 2011 Fiesta worked up to look just like Block's racer. Something tells us the grand-prize car won't be all-wheel drive, though. Hit the jump to watch the video, as well as check out the full press release with details on the drawing.

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dirt 3 trailer brings more rally, adds Gymkhana... and explosions

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Dirt 3 trailer - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ken Block might not have made it out of the first round of last weekend's X Games Rally, but he'll be coming with a lot more rallying in a lot more locales soon enough. Dirt 3, next in the Codemasters series of off-road drifting action, arrives in 2011 with Ken Block front-and-center. The game's trailer was unveiled during the X Games, and on top of the plethora of climates and locales you'll get to test yourself at Block's own game: gymkhana. Follow the jump for a taste of what's on the way in the game. Hat tip to Andrey!

[Source: RPM Go]

Continue reading Video: Dirt 3 trailer brings more rally, adds Gymkhana... and explosions

Video: Dirt 3 trailer brings more rally, adds Gymkhana... and explosions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X Games 16 Rally offers up plenty of high, lows, and double gold

Drew Phillips — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

X Games 16 SuperRally - Click above for high-res image gallery

Race day for the X Games rally car action started out much like the practice sessions had begun the day before - with plenty of frustration. The drivers finally figured out how to deal with the steep drop-off in the dirt portion of the track that led back into the L.A. Coliseum, but a new challenge presented itself. The course layout for the rally racing portion of the event was designed with some very tight turns. So tight, in fact, that after a few practice laps only a handful of drivers could actually make it around the course without having to execute a three-point turn.

Much of the morning saw drivers working with course officials to create a course that the cars could actually drive on. After a few different configurations were tried, one was found, but at that point there wasn't any time left for practice. Essentially, the drivers would be competing on a course that they had never driven on. Would that result in excitement, chaos or both? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: X Games 16 Rally Car Racing

Gallery: X Games 16 SuperRally

Continue reading X Games 16 Rally offers up plenty of high, lows, and double gold

X Games 16 Rally offers up plenty of high, lows, and double gold originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

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.

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Ken Block launching Gymkhana Grid, turning hoonage into motorsport

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

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

Ken Block's Gymkhana and Gymkhana 2.0 were YouTube crazes that swept the nation, and the man himself is giving you the chance to get in on Gymkhana 3. In addition, the House of Block is hosting a spectator event on December 3 and 4 at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale called Gymkhana Grid and the Ken Block Invitational. It will be the first stadium-style Gymkhana racing event where "pro drivers and grass roots racers" alike can show thousands of fans what they've got on a Block-designed Gymkhana course. That's right, Gymkhana just became a motorsport.

You can check out the splash page to sign up for more info. In case you've forgotten about the cranes, water balloons and near misses of Gymkhana 2.0 - because the third installment is going to need to top that - we've provided you a refresher after the jump.

[Source: Gymkhana Grid]

Continue reading Ken Block launching Gymkhana Grid, turning hoonage into motorsport

Ken Block launching Gymkhana Grid, turning hoonage into motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

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.

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Video: Ken vs. Kimi, showdown in Portugal

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos

Ken Block and Kimi Raikkonen at Rally Portugal - Click above to view video after the jump

Ken Block is still slugging his way through his first season in the World Rally Championship. America's rally golden boy is dead last in the point standings with a big goose-egg on the leader board, but that doesn't mean he's lost his ability to give the crowd a proper show. At the start of Rally Portugal, organizers decided to pass on the standard opening ceremonies in favor of a Super Special held in a local arena. Drivers were paired up based on their corresponding rivalries, and Block wound up in a rookie battle royale with former F1 champ Kimi Raikkonen.

Block wanted to add a little bit of spice to the fight, so the guy bets Raikkonen 100 euros that he'll take the win. From the instant the flag drops, the two were neck and neck through the entire course. Who took the win? You'll can hit the jump to see for yourself. Surprisingly, Block managed to stay with Raikkonen for a tie time of 2:11.0.

We will say that by the end of Rally Portugal, Raikkonen was still lodged 10th with 15 points, while Block had to retire before crossing the finish line at the last stage.

[Source: Monster World Rally Team]

Continue reading Video: Ken vs. Kimi, showdown in Portugal

Video: Ken vs. Kimi, showdown in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block's Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford, Specialty, Racing

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

When Ken Block switched alliances earlier this year - ditching his Subaru Impreza WRX STI for a a rallified 2011 Ford Fiesta - there was no doubt in anyone's mind that an all-new Gymkhana variant was right around the corner. Tonight in San Francisco, we finally got an eyeful of Block's new ride, and as you'd suspect, it's meaner, wider and ridiculously more powerful than its predecessor.

The Gymkhana Three Fiesta was built by the same team that produced his Monster World Rally Team hatch, and includes a boosted 2.0-liter four-pot capable of 850 horsepower (de-tuned with a restrictor plate to output 650 hp in the name of tractability) and 660 pound-feet of torque. Partnered with a Olsbergs Motorsport-developed MSE Maktrak six-speed sequential transmission and powering all four wheels, the new Gymkhana contender will hit 60 mph in two seconds flat and according to Block, can "handle loose, while still providing complete control."

We plan to grill Block about his plans this evening, but in the meantime, make the jump for the official details and check out the teaser from earlier today.

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta revealed

Ken Block's Gymkhana Three Ford Fiesta revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ken Block teases Gymkhana 3 with his new Ford Fiesta

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ken Block and his Monster World Rally Team seem to really get it. If you're going to show us a seven minute infomercial, it's best to sell product and perform astonishing feats of drift at the same time. Block's annual drifting extravaganza has quickly become one of the few must-see videos on the Internets, with nearly 14 million viewers tuning in to absorb Gymkhana II.

And if you're worried that Block's switch from the Subaru WRX STI to the 2011 Ford Fiesta means that the breathtaking drift videos are dead, think again. The driftmaster is in tease mode for Gymkhana III, and the post-jump video gives an all-too-brief glimpse of what's to come later tonight. Hit the jump to watch the 24-second tease for yourself. The video tells us that Gymkhana III Ford Fiesta will be unveiled this evening at 8 p.m. PST at San Francisco's Taverna Avenue.

Gallery: Ken Block's Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block teases Gymkhana 3 with his new Ford Fiesta

Video: Ken Block teases Gymkhana 3 with his new Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ken Block at WRC Rally Mexico

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Ken Block in the Mexico round of the WRC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino put on a helluva show at the Corona Rally Mexico round of the World Rally Championship. A number of incidents, including a puncture, some boulder kissing, and a fully day of stages were missed because of rather nasty date with a ditch, the pair still managed a classification of 18th out of 25. We'll find out in two weeks at the Rally of Turkey if Block's Mexico foray was a building block - and if it was, this could be a very good year for the man and his Monster Ford Escort. Dirty pics are in the gallery below, and a press release and video recap are after the jump.

Gallery: Ken Block at the Mexico round of the WRC

[Source: Monster World Rally Team]

Continue reading Video: Ken Block at WRC Rally Mexico

Video: Ken Block at WRC Rally Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Racing

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.

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Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru, Off-Road, Racing

Ken Block wins 100 Acre Wood Rally in Ford Fiesta shown in testing above

He did it. Ken Block made it five-in-a-row at the 100 Acre Wood Rally, showing that his new Ford Fiesta is doing just as good for him as his old Subaru. Block and Alex Gelsomino were the overall winners of the Open Class in their Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta, but it wasn't easy for them. Block started the second leg more than a minute behind Subaru Rally Team USA's Travis Pastrana after having a bit of trouble on stage one. Although the Ford was pretty quick, Pastrana was quicker, as was Antoine L'Estage, the Rockstar Mitsubishi Evo driver who now leads the Rally America championship race with 34 points.

Pastrana was leading until he broke his left rear control arm on the Super Special Stage in Potosi. That put Block into the lead with L'Estage barreling down on him - that is until L'Estage also hit some bad luck, getting a flat on the second stage and battling low visibility conditions at a water crossing. Block charged on and never looked back, crossing the finish some 20 seconds ahead of the Evo. Privateer Bill Bacon grabbed the last step on the podium in his last-gen 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX. Despite some difficulties this year, Bacon has at least been consistent, and finds himself in second place in the championship standings with 28 points. Dave Mirra nabbed 4th, his best finish yet in Subaru Rally Team USA's 2010 STi.

Next up for Rally America will be the Olympus Rally in Olympia, Washington on April 24-25. Full results in the official press release after the jump. Hat tip to Jason!

[Source: Rally America]

Continue reading Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results

Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block attempting 5-peat at 100 Acre Rally in new Ford Fiesta [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Off-Road, Racing

Ford Fiesta Rally shakedown at SayersBrook - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino are headed back to the 100 Acre Wood Rally this weekend in an attempt to dominate the race for the fifth consecutive year. However, the major difference is what the gravel-bound duo are driving: The #43 Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta.

After a suspension issue resulted in a DNF for the team at the Sno*Drift rally earlier this month, Block and Gelsomino are out to prove the Fiesta is up to the task of beating snow, gravel and ice into submission. To that end, they headed out to SayersBrook Bison Ranch this week to give the Fiesta a proper shakedown ahead of the event, and you can check out the results in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Ken Block Fiesta Rally Shakedown at SayersBrook Bison Ranch

Continue reading Ken Block attempting 5-peat at 100 Acre Rally in new Ford Fiesta [w/video]

Ken Block attempting 5-peat at 100 Acre Rally in new Ford Fiesta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at SnoDrift 2010 UPDATE

Christopher A. Smith — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block/Ford Fiesta at the 2010 Rally America Sno*Drift - Click above for high-res image gallery

The initial motivation for this piece was a pre-Sno*Drift dinner with Ken Block and members of the new Monster World Rally Team last Thursday, followed the next day by a ride in the shotgun seat of Block's new Fiesta rally car. As for the ride along, we were anticipating some no-holds-barred, looking-through-the-side-windows-to-steer, make-the-media-guy-puke action, but as is so often the case with most things regarded as insanely fun, some last-minute rule interpretations ruled out the scheduled media rides.

Whether or not there was some friction between Ford's media efforts and the Rally America staff was unclear, but it was all moot anyway when the Fiesta's broken suspension bits took Block out of the action late Friday, after just seven stages. At least the dinner went off without a hitch, save for some discrepancy with the waitress on whether or not a chicken Caeser salad was actually ordered by yours truly. If you're confused right now, you're not alone.

UPDATE: Ford assures us there wasn't any friction between the Blue Oval and Rally America, at least outside the normal race day jitters experienced at any event such as this. According to Ford Racing, Rally America was "awesome to work with" and given the crazy-icy conditions for the event, we can understand both the extra concerns for safety and the need to keep the playing field leveled.

We did have a chance to noodle around inside Block's cranium for a couple hours though, and we learned he'll be headed to the Top Gear studios in April to film, among other things, an all-new Gymkhana session with the rally Fiesta. The new car is actually the same Fiesta Rallycross car that Marcus Gronholm piloted up Pikes Peak last year, though the 800 horsepower has been tuned back to something in the 330 range. We also learned the new car has a healthy torque advantage from his old ride, and as good as Subarus sound with a tight exhaust, the Fiesta has a delicious wail that sounds suspiciously like the WRC-spec Focus he'll be campaigning in Mexico next month.

Is he excited about driving in the World Rally Championship? Absolutely, but he also confessed to having virtually no seat time in the Focus thus far, which Block describes as "night and day" from the Fiesta. It would've been nice to see the Fiesta again on Saturday, or any sort of Monster World Rally Team presence for that fact, and there were certainly an abundance of fans who would agree. Instead, the Fiesta team packed up the broken car and headed south in the wee hours of the morning, leaving the rest of us with nothing but Red Bull to drink.

That is, until another Fiesta showed up...

Gallery: Ken Block/Ford Fiesta at the 2010 Rally America Sno*Drift

[Driving shots of Fiesta: Mike Prouix/www.worldrallysport.com/Rally America]

Continue reading Dinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at Sno*Drift 2010 *UPDATE

Dinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at Sno*Drift 2010 *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rally America Sno*Drift 2010: The Aftermath

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Rally America Sno*Drift 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the ~~dust~~ snow settling from the inaugural event of Rally America's 2010 season, four things are certain. This year's Sno*Drift will go down as one of the slickest events in the history of U.S. rally racing. It will also be remembered as one of the highest-attended Sno*Drifts in the event's 24-year history. More than a few people are questioning Ken Block's new Fiesta after it broke less than halfway through the event. And with four Sno*Drift trophies since 2006, Travis Pastrana now officially owns winter time rally racing.

Based in Atlanta, Michigan, the Sno*Drift is actually three events in one. There is of course the Sno*Drift national rally, spanning two days and 20 stages. Running simultaneously, however, is the Sno Regional on Friday, followed by - wait for it - the Drift Regional on Saturday. Thirty three cars were signed up for the whole enchilada, but factor in the regional events and the car count swelled to 55 entries. And lest you think these are all high-dollar race teams - grassroots racing doesn't get more grassroots than the likes of '80s Volkswagens, or pretty much any turbocharged Chrysler front-wheel-drive machine. Sure, it's cool to watch Evos and Subies in four-wheel power slides, blow-off valves chattering like steam locomotives. But then a bright yellow Acura Integra Type-R comes screaming around the corner, followed by a mint condition 1980 Volvo 242, and suddenly everything is right with the world.

Gallery: Rally America Sno*Drift 2010

Photos by Christopher Smith / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Fiesta images by Mike Prouix/www.worldrallysport.com/Rally America

Continue reading Rally America Sno*Drift 2010: The Aftermath

Rally America Sno*Drift 2010: The Aftermath originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*Drift

Christopher A. Smith — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Subaru

Rally America Sno*Drift 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Travis Pastrana has no shortage of critics who claim the daredevil is skating on thin ice. Okay, that was a terrible segue into this year's Sno*Drift, the opening event in the Rally America Championship series, but yes, Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom did skate to a fourth straight Sno*Drift victory on Saturday, trumping the second place team of Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard by more than a minute. Not too bad for a guy who just had surgery for a broken collar bone. Meanwhile, William Bacon and Peter Watt finished third overall as the highest-placing privateers. Ken Block, sporting his trademark goatee and a new Ford Fiesta rally car, retired after just seven stages due to suspension failure.

Organized around the snowy gravel roads of Northern Lower Michigan, Sno*Drift 2010 wasn't so much with the snow thanks to a warm spell and thorough soaking of rain, followed by a quick dip into sub-zero temperatures-all within a week of race day. Roads turned into rivers of glare ice, and since studded tires aren't allowed in the series, automotive hilarity reminiscent of Snoopy on Ice was the order of the day. Just ask Pastrana's team mate Dave Mirra, who crossed the final mark literally dragging his Subie's front bumper and headlights thanks to a late-stage disagreement between himself, Sir Issac Newton, and a tree.

More to come on Pastrana, Block, and Rally America; in the meantime spy the Rally America gallery while we search Wikipedia for frost bite remedies and tips on removing champagne from blue jeans.

Gallery: Rally America SnoDrift 2010

Pastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*Drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*Drift

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Click above to view the video after the jump

Ken Block's inaugural outing in his new Ford Fiesta Rally car took place on Thursday ahead of today's opening of the Sno*Drift Rally America Series, and the crew at Monster have released some footage of Block's maiden run.

After the jump, you'll find a two and a half minute clip of Block pounding down the icy roads of Gladwin, MI, blowing past trees at triple-digit speeds and topping out in sixth gear during one insanely long straight.

Live updates from the event are available at Rally America's website. Follow along today and tomorrow, but in the meantime... jump.

Gallery: Ken Block's Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta

Continue reading Video: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*Drift

Video: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*Drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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