KEN BLOCK AND ALEX GELSOMINO IMPRESS ON THEIR WRC DEBUT AT RALLY MEXICO
When Ken Block threw his flat-brimmed hat into the World Rally Championship ring earlier this year, expectations were mixed. But three weeks ago, at Rally Mexico—Monster World Rally Teamʼs inaugural WRC race—Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino proved that they have what it takes to become a competitive force on the world stage.
“We even surprised ourselves, when, after the first few stages, we were not only not dead last, but we were keeping pace with a few veteran WRC drivers, and even ahead of F1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen,” says Ken Block.
By the end of the first leg, on Friday, Block and Gelsomino had secured a position on the leaderboard for the American flag to fly. Unfortunately, an off on the first stage of Day 2, left the Monster Energy Ford Focus RS WRC unable to continue. “It was a rookie mistake,” says Block. “We should have noted the change in surface, the section went from a grippy dirt road to very loose gravel and there was just no traction at all, especially for the speed we were trying to carry into the next turn.”
Thanks to SuperRally rules, which allow competitors to return to the stages the following day along with some heavy time penalties, Block and Gelsomino were at it again on Sunday morning. The two put on a repeat performance of Day 1, finishing stage 19, eighth fastest, with a 13.7 second gap between them and ninth place. Then, on stage 21, the Monster World Rally Team shocked naysayers once more, being second fastest on the road after the first split. But, a puncture caused by an unfortunate meeting of rim and rock later on this stage, robbed Block and Gelsomino of over a minute.
Ken Block slides a corner at Rally Mexico
“In the WRC, we had heard of Ken Block, but more for his stunts than his driving, but after his performance in Mexico, I think it is very clear to everyone that he has the potential to become a competitive WRC driver,” says M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson. “For his first WRC event, he did extremely well.”
Ken Block launches a jump at Rally Mexico
“Ken is shining a bright light on what we at Ford have always known…that Ford makes the best fun-to-drive small cars in the world,” says Ford Racing Director Jamie Allison. “Ken’s rally efforts globally with Fiesta and Focus help us to tell that story to a new generation of car enthusiasts and it’s great to see Ken, as the lone American, competing at the highest level in WRC and showcasing his great rally talent. All of which will help expand the appeal of the sport in the U.S.”
The next WRC round for MWRT will be Rally Turkey, on April 16-18. Until then, follow the team at monsterworldrallyteam.com
Ken Block gets cover of WRC guide. – No Pressure Ken!
IKen Block gets cover of WRC guide
I am pretty sure this is the first time an american has got the cover of a WRC guide. No pressure Ken!
Ken Block goes to FORD!
Ken Block goes to FORD!
Introducing the Monster World Rally Team—Ken Block goes global in a Ford.
January 6, 2010—Brooklyn, NY—Ken Block is off to race in the FIA 2010 World Rally Championship as part of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team. Block will continue to compete in the Rally America national series, as well as in X-Games XVI. And he’s doing it all in a Ford!
Block’s entry into the WRC is history in the making. He will be the first American to campaign the world stages as part of a multi-year program. In 2010, Block will compete in select rounds of the championship with an emphasis on developing his ability for a successful future in the WRC. “Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I’d still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future,” says Block. “I will be going head-to head with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond.”
The Monster World Rally Team developed as a result of Ken Block’s relationship with the energy drink company. “A radically extreme form of motorsport with supremely talented drivers who compete on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice really mirrors everything we are about,” says Monster Energy President Mark Hall. “For that reason Monster Energy is pleased to join Ken Block in the formation of the Monster Energy World Rally Team. Not only is Ken a cult hero to our consumers through his gymkhana videos and other stunts, the fact that he will be the first American racer to compete in the 38-year history of the World Rally Championship is truly impressive. Factoring in that Ken will be chasing the 2010 Rally America Championship Series, a Gold Medal at X Games XVI while continuing to scheme-up new videos and mind-altering stunts, Monster couldn’t have a finer ambassador in our new venture into rally.”
In a partnership with Monster Energy, the team is also bolstered by Ford—a brand Block feels at home in. “I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford,” says Block. “They are an impressive force in the sport. From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200, to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford has an excellent history within rally. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy.”
For the WRC, Block will be racing in a Focus RS prepared by M-Sport, the company responsible for handling all of Ford’s World Rally efforts. M-Sport’s Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who played a large role in ushering Block into the WRC, had this to say: “It is great news that Ken will be joining the WRC and even better that it will be with Ford! Ken has been instrumental in elevating the public awareness of rallying throughout the world with his multimedia exploits, particularly in the U.S. which is a key global market and an area where WRC has yet to reach its full potential. Ken’s appearance in the WRC and his desire to compete toe-to-toe at the highest level is indicative of the determination and drive that he has exhibited in all areas of his life to date—be it in business or personal targets. Ken is a colorful character with a huge international fan base and his decision to appear in the WRC is warmly welcomed.”
In the United States, Ken will be racing both the Rally America Championship and X Games in the all-new Ford Fiesta, prepared by Olsbergs MSE. “We are excited to partner with Ken as we launch the Ford Fiesta in the United States in 2010 and showcase the Fiesta’s performance and fun-to-drive capabilities,” says Jamie Allison, Director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Rally racing has always played a key role in the global motorsports strategy for Ford Motor Company.”
In addition, the skateboard footwear company Block co-founded, DC Shoes, will also support the team, along with the popular video game title, Dirt2, in which Block had a starring role. Castrol Edge is providing support for the team as well.
More news about the team and a detailed schedule of races and events will be available soon at monsterworldrallyteam.com. For now, head on over to the site for an interactive version of this press release and the premiere of the Monster World Rally Team Launch commercial.
About Ken Block:
Ken Block’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control became quickly apparent and Block aptly nabbed Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in the series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X Games medals. In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a driving force in shedding light on the sport within the United States. Block co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand. His keen branding and marketing acumen not only elevated DC to their current eminent status, but has allowed Block to achieve global fame as a national rally driver through his wildly successful viral video campaigns. Ad Age named his “Gymkhana TWO” the No. 4 Viral Video of 2009.
About Monster World Rally Team:
Created and assembled by Ken Block, the object of the Monster World Rally Team is to redefine the race-team archetype. The team is driven not only to win, but to also market motorsport through innovative, creative and interactive ways. The goal: To become the best known team in the WRC and bring rally to the masses along the way.
BJ Penn RVCA viral commercial
We just finished this beautiful viral commercial with “The Prodigy” BJ Penn for RVCA. Shot entirely on RED at RVCA’s Costa Mesa headquarters, we spent two days with BJ and the RVCA camp showing the connection between art, action sports and MMA. It’s all art! Be sure to watch BJ Penn defend his title against Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez at UFC 107, live on pay-per-view this saturday night. Here a few pics from the shoot and a link to the final piece.
RVCA commercial shoot with ” The Prodigy” BJ Penn
Here is a litlle sneak peak at the RVCA commercial we are working with lightweight champ “The Prodigy” BJ Penn. The champ looks super crisp and ready for his upcoming title defense against Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez at UFC 107.
Mad Media Joins the RED Revolution – Purchases RED ONE #6783
Mad Media has just joined the ranks of the nearly seven thousand cinematographers, producers, directors, rental houses, and camera junkies that have embraced the RED ONE by Red.com, INC. Heralded as a groundbreaking acquisition format since it first shipped, the RED camera has redefined the playing field for filmmakers who want the same tools that working Hollywood professionals use, without the extremely expensive point of entry.
Mad Media’s directing and producing team, The Martelli Brothers, are no strangers to the RED and it’s ability to deliver next-level results. “We began experimenting with the cameras as soon as they became available and were blown away by the results from the get go.” commented Creative Director Matt Martelli. “But we also realized, that like every camera, the RED has strengths and weaknesses. It’s not a very lightweight set-up, and at the time it was released there were some initial issues with the firmware. We waited patiently for the right film to really put the RED through its paces, and that happened this summer with the Gymkhana Two project.”
Mad Media produced the most successful automotive viral film ever this year, with the help of some astounding driving by Ken Block, the use of two RED cameras, and a compliment of traditional HD gear.
“It definitely pushed us to a whole new level of production.” said Joshua Martelli, Director of TV / Film Production and Director of the Gymkhana Two film. “We needed to shoot between eight and ten set-ups a day to stay on track with the shoot, including major FX shots as well as product shots for DC Shoes. So we had to make very quick decisions about position, light, focus, framing, the orientation of the car, when to dump footage, etc… But in the end it went very smoothly and we were able to review proxies in the RV with Ken and the other folks involved almost immediately after each shot. That was incredible. In fact it fired everyone up as we progressed through the shoot because we knew we were getting great stuff.”
Mad Media’s purchase of the RED camera is recognition that many of their current and emerging clients not only understand the benefits of RED 4K (or more) acquisition, but are requesting it for key projects. “We have several commercial projects in production, and some ridiculous viral films in pre-production at the moment. So it just made sense to bring one in house. And believe me as soon as the Epic becomes available that will be in our hands too. If you consider that cinematography is really just painting with light, than cameras are our paintbrushes. The RED allows for some spectacularly broad strokes when shooting.” commented Joshua. “Not all of our shoots are appropriate for RED. But with seven different acquisition formats in-house, including multiple Panasonic P2 cameras, a Canon 5D Mark II, and a barrage of Sony HD POV systems, we can cover just about any situation thrown at us. And that level of coverage is one way we can guarantee our clients the results they demand.”
Ken Block Vintage Rally Car Practice!
A new Rally video has DC Co-Founder and Rally Team Member Ken Block having a bit of fun in a vintage rear wheel drive Ford Escort at Team O’Neal’s Rally School in New Hampshire. World Rally Championship driver, Chris Atkinson joined Block for the practice and video that resulted, now live at dcshoes.com/auto.
Block purchased the vintage rear-wheel-drive rally car to practice and have fun in. Wanting to broaden his rally skills, the Euro-only-spec 1978 Ford Escort MK2 helps him let loose in a few non-Rally America Championship events. Don’t let the vintage shell fool you—under the hood sits a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Millington engine that boasts 280 BHP. Couple that with a WRC-styled paddle shifting, six speed sequential gearbox and you have one fast vintage rally car.
Block took the car to Team O’Neil’s Rally School in July 2009 to put the vintage rally car through it’s paces, and Former Subaru World Rally Team driver Chris Atkinson joined Block to break it in. Neither Block nor Atkinson have much experience in RWD cars, so the rally session and video is a good look at the two of them to flip flopping between the driver and passenger seats.
Block will enter select races each year with this car, including Rally Defi in Canada this coming weekend, September 11-12. Block returns to serious Rally America National Championship competition—in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI—at Rally Colorado, September 19-20.
Ken Block in his vintage Ford Escort
Ken Block and Chris Atkinson
Founded by Ken Block and Damon Way in 1993, DC quickly grew to a leader in performance skateboarding shoes and renowned action sports brand. Today DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men’s, women’s and kids’ skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear, and accessories. As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a world-class team of professional skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross and rally athletes that exemplify and enhance DC’s brand, develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts. DC is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.