Latest news with #GymkhanaTEN
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Petersen Automotive Museum Honors Ken Block with Landmark Exhibit
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled "People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block," the most extensive public display of the motorsports legend's vehicles and memorabilia ever curated. Now open in the Meyer Gallery, the exhibit celebrates Block's legacy as a driver, entrepreneur, and creative visionary who reshaped the world of motorsports and automotive culture. The exhibit offers an in-depth look at Block's career, from his rise in rally racing to his influence on digital automotive content, most notably through his Gymkhana video series, which captivated millions worldwide. His role as co-founder of DC Shoes and later Hoonigan Industries positioned him as a driving force in both action sports and automotive enthusiasm. "Block's profound influence has ignited the passion of millions," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "His fearless driving and innovative vision in motorsports content have forever shaped the automotive landscape." The exhibit features some of the most iconic vehicles of Block's career, including: 1965 Ford Mustang RTR 'Hoonicorn' – The all-wheel-drive, twin-turbocharged star of multiple Gymkhana videos, including Gymkhana SEVEN and Climbkhana 2005 Subaru WRX STI 'Gymkhana Practice' – The car that started it all in the first Gymkhana video 2008 Subaru WRX STI from Gymkhana TWO: The Infomercial 1977 Ford F-150 'Hoonitruck' – Inspired by Block's father's pickup and featured in Gymkhana TEN 2022 Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro 'Hoonitron' – Built for Electrikhana, showcasing Block's venture into electric performance 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC 'Cossie V2' 2022 Porsche 911 SVRSR 'Hoonipigasus' – Designed for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 1986 Ford RS200 2016 Ford Focus RS RX, raced in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and featured in Gymkhana TEN The exhibition also features Block's racing suits, helmets, and personal memorabilia, as well as the "Ain't Care Wall," displaying wrecked vehicle parts from his high-adrenaline stunts—an homage to his fearless approach to motorsports. Created in collaboration with the 43 Institute, a nonprofit founded in Block's honor to provide mentorship and support for aspiring athletes and creatives, the exhibit embodies his commitment to inspiring future generations. "This exhibit is a meaningful tribute to Ken's legacy, reflecting his lasting impact and the inspiration he brought to motorsports and car culture," said Lucy Block, Ken's wife. "43 Institute is committed to fostering the opportunities that sparked his passion and creativity." "People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" will remain on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum through October 2025, offering fans and enthusiasts a chance to experience the life and career of one of motorsports' most influential figures.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ken Block Exhibit Slides into the Petersen Museum Feb. 15
The life and cars of video star and rallymeister Ken Block are being celebrated at a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles that opens Feb. 15. Block is best known for his Gymkhana driving videos, where the Hoonigan co-founder rallies through city streets, country roads, and abandoned military bases all over the world, snapping off jumps and barely missing various fixed objects, basically doing what we all think we could do, too, given the right circumstances. But of course, we couldn't do it. It's just that Block made it look so easy. The exhibit was already in the planning stages years ago, before Ken Block's untimely death in a snowmobiling accident two years ago. Enthusiasm for the show never really waned, especially at the Petersen, so it has come full circle. The Petersen calls the exhibit 'the most comprehensive public display of Block's collection ever assembled' and says it 'celebrates the enduring legacy of one of motorsport's most legendary figures.' In 2013, just five years into his fame, Block received the Petersen's Inspiration Award for 'his contributions to growing and inspiring the next generation of auto enthusiasts,' according to exhibit assistant curator Michael McCardle. While a handful of Ken Block's cars were shown at The Henry Ford as part of a larger motorsports exhibit, this Petersen showing will be the first one that has been done specifically focusing on the life and career and impact of Ken Block. 'It's certainly the largest gathering of any of his most famous vehicles that's ever been put together,' McCardle said. Among the cars on display are: 1965 Ford Mustang RTR 'Hoonicorn' featured in Gymkhana SEVEN, Gymkhana TEN, and Climbkhana. This was the world's first all-wheel-drive performance Mustang, the Hoonigan team said at the time. Following its debut in Gymkhana SEVEN, it earned a reputation as one of the most iconic custom vehicles ever built. 2022 Porsche 911 SVRSR 'Hoonipigasus' is a 1,400-hp Porsche built for the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Unfortunately, after promising practice runs, the engine failed just before race day and Block didn't get to see what it would do in competition. 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI featured in Gymkhana: Practice (or Gymkhana ONE) and 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI featured in Gymkhana TWO. These vehicles were constructed as successors to Ken Block's original 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A rally car, which he competed in and used as one of five vehicles in Gymkhana TEN. The 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck was created for Gymkhana TEN, partially out of Block's general love for trucks, and also as a tribute to his late father who had the exact same base truck back in the day. The 3.5-liter, twin turbocharged, Ford Performance/Roush Yates EcoBoost V6 makes 914 hp and 702 lb-ft of torque. The custom-tuned engine features a billet-aluminum block lifted directly out of the Ford Racing Ford GT Le Mans development program, according to Hoonigan. 2022 Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro 'Hoonitron' Inspired by the Audi Sport Quattro S1 rally car of the 1980s, Ken Block and Audi created an entirely new car for a series of Gymkhana spinoffs called Electrikhana. In addition to the cars, there will be a number of screens throughout the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery playing Gymkhana videos on a loop. You could spend hours in there. The exhibit opens Feb. 15 and will run through October.
