This year began with the sad news that Ken Block passed away after a snowmobile accident on 2 January. The world-renowned rally driver served as brand ambassador for Toyo Tire Group for the past seven years, and the tyre maker has published a memorial message paying tribute to Block and his accomplishments.
Toyo Tires recalls that Ken Block, a “groundbreaking action sports innovator” whose “passion for car culture heavily influenced a generation of auto enthusiasts,” signed up as a brand ambassador in 2016 to support the Proxes UHP product line-up. Since then his wildly popular Gymkhana and Climbkhana video projects have gained over 210 million views on YouTube.
“We are saddened by the news of his passing, and extend our condolences to his family,” states Toyo Tires.
Takashi Shimizu, president and chief executive officer of Toyo Tire Corporation, shares the following statement honouring Block:
“Toyo Tire Group was proud to partner with Ken Block, and had great respect for the pioneer he was and what he accomplished in the automotive and action sports world. We have always been thrilled by his extreme adventures and passionate pursuit of memorable driving performances. Ken’s legacy and memory will live on through his incredible catalogue of work, and in the hearts of his millions of fans. We will treasure our friendship with him and forever remember him.”
