Seven-time winners of the 100 Acre Wood Rally, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino hit the course full steam in March 2019. Their first appearance since 2014, this dynamic duo raced the course with their newly created Ford Escort Cosworth, AKA ‘The Cossie’. Built from the ground up, this muscle machine was built with 21^st century know how and special tricks.

But the new rebuild, despite running 4^th overall in the race, did not take the win due to engine failure on stage 3. This a sharp contrast to Ken’s pre-race anticipation for fun and speed and being ready to fight the course to the end. Unfortunately, the fight wasn’t with the course, it was an equipment failure fight.

Race fans will remember that Ken lost the #43 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A Rally car in the Summer of 2018 due to a fire while racing. With so much success with that race car, Ken decided to build a new ‘Cossie V2’ for the 2019 racing season with the help of digital creator, Ash Thorp. The design was a modern version of the Ford Escort RS, and sported changes such as side exit exhausts, Sadev 6 speed sequential gearbox, a screaming built 371 horse Ford YB engine, and 4.3 inches wider than original – making it kick ass road ready. Or maybe not.

Though this year’s engine failure was a setback, this definitely does NOT hurt Ken’s impressive list of racing success. With 31 events, 27 number of finals, 12 final podiums, and 4 final wins in RallyCross, Ken maintains a 12.9% final win status and 38.7% final podium percentage. Pair that with his Rally career of 70 Rallies with 13 Rally wins, 22 Rally podiums with 13 class wins, and 22 Class Podiums, he maintains a 18.6% win and 31.4% podium percentage. Ken and Alex’s track record speaks for itself.

Ken’s success does not stop at the race track. A successful businessman and actor, former co-founder of DC Shoes, and most recently, co-founder of Hoonigan Industries, Ken appears to be the man with the plan. With a net worth of over $220 million, well, let’s just say that the engine failure was simply a faint blimp on the radar screen.

Ken’s racing career began in 2005 with the Vermont Super Cars. With a ranking within the Top 5 in 5 games, Ken’s first year racing achievements included winning American Rookie of the Year Award. Not bad for a beginning year. At that time, Ken was racing the Subaru brand but later made a brand change in 2010 when he partnered with Ford Company, and the rest is history.

But least you think that Ken is all business, you may be surprised (or not) of his fun and daring stunt while filming one of his appearances for the show Top Gear. During that time, Ken’s wicked stunt, with co-conspirator Matt LeBlanc, had them doing donuts at the Cenotaph War Memorial in London. To say that the United Kingdom was pissed is probably a mild understatement. What is all that money and talent without an outlet for some fun, huh? 

Race fans should be watchful as Ken and Alex come roaring back once repairs are performed. With plans for international competition this year, Ken has proven that he is more than worthy as a contender for Rally racing whether that be in Sam Marino, New Zealand, Ireland, or England. His drive and expertise are what led him to be the success that he is today. Get ready, race fans, 2019 is just beginning!