Ken Block has been doing the kind of driving that makes people’s jaws drop. Drifting, rally racing, X-games racing and jumping, precision Gymkhana hooning, and one-off vehicle creation – he has done it all. He has also excelled at all of it. For over 10 years, he has done it with support from Ford Motor Company. But that is coming to an end. 

Ken Block and Ford decide to see other people

In videos released by both Ford and Mr. Block’s personal YouTube channel, he announced that he is stepping away from his relationship with Ford. As he put it, they “decided to see other people.” Both videos are posted below.

In essence, Mr. Block has become a free agent. As a free agent, it is conceivable that he will have offers very quickly from other manufacturers. His history is too rich as a motoring legend to be ignored. Although Ford may no longer be a player, there is sure to be another manufacturer to quickly step up if they have not already.

Mr. Block’s history has included World Rally Championship and rallycross racing that led to 19 wins and 17 additional podium finishes. He has also achieved two X-Games medal finishes. But, it does not end there. Mr. Block has been really active on social media to grow his fanbase, which has led to support from sponsors for the creation of many Gymkhana precision performance videos and even an Amazon Prime series called The Gymkhana Files. Most of these were in Fords.

Gymkhana videos are no joke

It was those Gymkhana videos, however, that have stood out the most to me. In each of them, Mr. Block would carve pavement with his Fords. In them, warehouses would be screeched through, donuts would be made around people with the fortitude to stand in front of a screaming car, and various other potentially dangerous obstacles would be avoided as Mr. Block would fling the prepared Ford of choice through wild settings. The videos are the kind of things that you catch yourself watching and forgetting to breathe. Each of them is that kind of edge-of-your-seat video. They are no joke.

Without Ford, what are the plans for 2021?

The duties of creating excitement for future Gymkhana videos was previously handed over to Travis Pastrana. Mr. Pastrana is another talented driver. But, with Gymkhana duties handed off and Mr. Block’s driving duties with Ford done, he now looks forward to seeing what will develop this new year. Although, he does say in his video that he already has some things lined up for 2021. No indication of with which manufacturer he would fulfill those plans with is indicated. Yet, he made that remark in another video posted with our friends at Road & Track while standing before a Subaru. Was that a hint?

“I am looking forward to what an unrestricted 2021 holds, and the ability to spread my wings a bit and play with other toys.” – Ken Block

We wish only the best wishes for a tire-smoking, no engine knocking, and safe 2021 Mr. Block.