Former Top Gear presenter James May has remembered his 'hilarious days out' with American rally driver Ken Block who died in a snowmobile accident at the age of 55.
Ken competed in the World Rally Championship and was named Rally America Rookie of the Year in 2005. His team, Hoonigan Racing, confirmed the sad news of his death in a statement on Monday (January 2). “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed," the statement read.
James was among the famous faces paying tribute to the pro driver on social media on Tuesday (January 3), alongside the official Top Gear Twitter page which described Block as an “all-round hero”. He tweeted: “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out. Here’s the airfield drifting piece from years back."
Read more: Tributes pour in for rally driver Ken Block, 55, who died after horror snowmobile accident
Ken appeared in multiple episodes of Top Gear, earning himself even more British fans. During his first appearance, he starred alongside James as 'Captain Slow' partnered with him in his Subaru for a rally stage around Inyokern Airport in California. In the second he was challenged by Jeremy Clarkson to drive a three-wheeled Reliant Robin around the test track - but he rolled it at the first corner and escaped unharmed.
In 2016 he also appeared on the show, driving around London with actor and host Matt LeBlanc, who also paid tribute, saying: "So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon.
“You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend. My condolences to your family.”
Meanwhile Paddy McGuinness, who currently hosts the BBC motoring show alongside Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and Chris Harris, shared a video of Block driving through an industrial landscape. He said: “I’ve lost many hours watching the great Ken Block’s videos over the years. Legend. Hoonigan. RIP.”
The show’s executive producer, Alex Renton, said: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry. When he released Gymkhana 1 in 2008 he had the entire Top Gear office wide-eyed in amazement.
“We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience. We were honoured to have had the chance to work with him and learn from him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues right now.”
Meanwhile, the president of Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The @FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43.”
Tanner Foust, who hosted the US version of Top Gear, wrote: “What an incredible person to learn from, battle with and to admire over the last two decades. Ken’s influence on the automotive world cannot be quantified. In addition to pioneering a roadmap for the rest of us to follow in the marketing of motorsport — Ken Block was, above all else, a devoted family man. My heart and prayers go out to Lucy and the kids.”
Californian-born Ken was a successful businessman, having co-founded the sportswear company DC Shoes before shifting his focus to Hoonigan Industries, a clothing brand for auto enthusiasts. He was also a YouTube star known for posting daring stunts behind the wheel.
Ken died near Woodland, Utah, with the Sheriff’s Office in Wasatch County saying he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him. “He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident,” it said in a statement.
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