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Old Kid On A New Block: Ken Block Joins FIA World RX for Full 2016 Season

Photo Credit: FIA World Rallycross Presented by Monster Energy

A high-flying fan favourite in rally and rallycross competition, American driver Ken Block will take his act to a more international stage in 2016.

The Hoonigan Racing driver has committed to run all 12 rounds of the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy (informally named World RX) with the support of Ford Performance. Having completed in just two events part of the World RX tour in his career prior, Block's entrance into the series have all indication of being a competitive first full season. "For a big portion of my career I've maintained a mixed focus and kept a diverse race calendar, but now I'll be focusing myself fully on one single championship." said Ken Block responding to his upcoming plans.

At the age of 48, Ken Block arrives as a full-time rookie in World RX with considerable credentials. Block's early success was related to the Rally America where he posted a total of 16 event victories. Ken Block won the Rally of the 100 Acre Wood on a consecutive basis from 2006 to 2012 and once-again in 2014. Competing in the Global Rallycross tour on a full-time basis from 2012 to 2015, Block has won six events (three occurring in the 2015 season). Ken Block narrowly lost the 2014 season-long title fight by a five-point margin to Joni Wilman.

Despite never having won a championship in rally car-style competition, Block has garnered acclaim for a proven skill in handling showcased on the track as well as in popular viral videos found on social media. Videos featuring Ken Block are attributed to hundreds of millions of views on Youtube.

Since 2010, Ken Block has enjoyed an association with Ford Motor Company. Extended factory involvement by Ford is credited to the 48-year-old driver's undertaking of a full-season in World RX for 2016. Global Director of Ford Performance Dave Pericak expressed an understanding for the driver's career goal saying, “We know Ken’s team is the right one to help us pursue our goal of winning an FIA World Rallycross Championship title and tell the Ford Performance story. Ford and Ford Performance are global brands, just like Ken, so it’s a great match for all of us involved.”

"I've been stoked with what my team and I have accomplished so far with my Ford Fiesta ST racecars and I'm excited to see what we'll be able to do next season with factory support. It's going to be a very exciting 2016 and I can't wait to get started.” said Block looking ahead to a racing season that starts on April 16th and 17th in Montalegre, Portugal.


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