If you don’t know who Ken Block is, it might be time to buy a computer and sign up for Internet service. The magical driver behind world-famous internet videos Gymkhana 1 and 2, which reached views over 25 million, has a new project under his sleeves for this year with the support of Ford Racing and Monster World Rally Team. Block will be taking on Rally America in the Open Class. This will include seven rally events across the States as well as X Games in August. And his weapon of choice is the new ’11 Ford Fiesta based on the Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution.
According to the team, the conditions were the worst they’ve seen in several years with the roads covered in pure ice. There wasn’t much snow or gravel to give drivers traction. And the race’s rules made it more difficult outlawing studded tires. In total, 55 cars were in competition and among them were Travis Pastrana, Andrew Comrie-Picard and Dave Mirra.
But the real news in Michigan was Block and his all-wheel drive converted Fiesta which was detuned for the event. Its 2.0 liter turbo is capable of 490hp at 8000rpm, but the series required a turbo-inlet restrictor so the car could only run at 330hp, which was plenty considering the roads were very unpredictable. Fortunately most of the torque was still there with 553 lb-ft and the vehicle was kept light weighing 2900 lb. According to Ford, the top speed of the car should reach 155mph however it was once again detuned to 110mph for this race. The 0-60mph acceleration is said to be a neck breaking 3.5 seconds.
Block’s main goal was to get through the race and drive conservative due to the conditions and also because he’s barely driven the Fiesta. His first test drive in the car was on Monday and the race started Friday.
On the first day, Block finished third having set the fastest time for stage one in the twenty-stage race. But unfortunately due to mechanical failures in the suspension, he wasn’t able to compete in the second day.
Although he failed to finish, seeing the car perform in person ensured us this Fiesta has ambitions for victory in the near future. With more time in preparation and as Block adapts to the car, we can hope podium finishes will come soon.
When Block isn’t focused on Rally America, he will be running a few rounds in the World Rally Championship as well as make another appearance on Top Gear. The Gymkhana 3 video is also coming soon. The details aren’t finalized yet but we’re hoping to see some of Ken’s friends in the mix again. Maybe a partnership with Linkin Park! There’s also a chance he might do three different videos – one for Ford Racing, another for Monster World Rally Team and a final with DC Shoes. We’ll have our own video coverage of Ken Block’s first outing at Sno*Drift but here’s a video made by Monster World Rally Team during a practice session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K37p0vw9cU