For the last 10 years, Ken Block and Ford have gone together like two peas in a pod. This long-running relationship has led to 19 race wins, 17 podium finishes, a pair of X Games medals, World Rally Championship points finishes, a half-billion views across Block’s social media accounts, ten Gymkhana videos, an Amazon Prime TV series, and some amazing vehicles like the Ford Mustang Hoonicorn and Ford F-150 Hoonitruck. And now, sadly, that relationship is coming to an end.
“Working with Ford over the past decade has been awesome,” Block said. “From racing all over the world to accumulating a half-billion views from Gymkhana Three to Gymkhana Ten to creating the Emmy nominated series The Gymkhana Files for Amazon Prime – along with building a fleet of Fords including the iconic AWD Mustang Hoonicorn and F-150 Hoonitruck – it’s been a great partnership.”
“It’s simply been a dream come true to work with the company that built the truck that my Dad drove when I was a teenager. I’m super appreciative to Ford for the support over the years, but I am also looking forward to what an unrestricted 2021 holds, and the ability to spread my wings a bit and play with a lot of other toys.”
“All of us at Ford are very grateful for Ken Block and his bringing the thrill of Ford Performance vehicles to a whole new generation of car buyers,” the automaker said in a statement. “He did it in ways that were uniquely Ken – with fun, energetic and extraordinary driving exhibitions that were unmatched in the automotive world, along with important victories and performances in rally & rallycross worldwide. Ken, thanks for 10 great years of Hooning.”
While the relationship between Ken Block and Ford is over, Block hasn’t yet said who he will team up with next, but says that he, along with the Hoonigan Racing Division, “will be announcing new partnerships very soon.”
We’ll have more on this as soon as it’s available, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
This is a mistake. The partnership has brought Ford Performance a great deal of exposure lined with an image enhancing cool factor. They produced two of the baddest vehicles ever with the Hoonicorn and Hoonitruck. The video of him drifting around, absolutely pounding the streets in Hoonitruck was one of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen!
Seems like a huge mistake. Ken was a huge positive force for Ford, especially for young people.
Agreed…
How stupid can Ford be? This ONE person brought more attention to the brand than any of the NASCAR, IMSA or NHRA drivers. He appealed to an audience that Ford desperately needs – the YOUTH market. Where will they put that money – tennis? Dumb.
Cooking and Crafts ? Bring in SnoopDog— This is the guy we all watch, No KEN??? !! Nascar Cartoons Might be next__
I have met him a couple times in person for different reasons. The guy is a real dick so maybe that’s why. He puts on a good face but behind the scenes… Yeah forget that dude. Travis is a super nice guy and super down to earth.
This will go down in the Brutal Marketing Mistakes category with Ford. It reminds me of the 1985 decision by Ford of Canada to NOT join the Players Series for street cars. That turned into the GM Players Series as GM realized what a great marketing tool it would be for their Camaros and Firebirds. That series appeared on LIVE TV for several years as part of IndyCar weekends as well as on stock car ovals We called them the Squeaky Car Series on the ovals!! LOL Block has brought more exposure to Ford than any ten NASCAR, NHRA or IMSA drivers combined. Sad.