Ken Block Goes Global Announcing Monster Energy World Rally Team

Courtesy of Monster World Rally Team

Carlsbad, CA – January 6th, 2010 – Ken Block is set to race in select rounds of the 2010 World Rally Championship (WRC). Simultaneously, Block is entering his fifth full season of Rally America and will be participating in X Games 16 making for a busy race schedule for 2010.

In the WRC’s thirty eight year history, Block will be the first American to campaign the series as part of a multi-year program. He will be driving both series with newly formed partner Ford Motor Company. Monster Energy is the title sponsor of the team and is very excited to be entering into this venture with Block.

"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 has Ken become a cult hero to our consumers through his gymkhana videos and other stunts, the fact that he will be the first American racer and team owner 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 16 and continuing to scheme up new videos and mind altering stunts, Monster couldn't have a finer ambassador in our new venture into rally”.

With the upcoming season being Block’s first in the WRC, his focus will be becoming more comfortable with the speed of the WRC car and acclimating to the events and terrain. “Racing in the WRC has always been a dream of mine, but I’d be dreaming if I thought there were podiums in my future this year going up against the best drivers in the world. That said, I will give it my all, but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011, and beyond.” said Block. While he plans to win the Rally America Title and Games Gold Medal this year, Block looks to make 2010 a learning experience in the WRC aiming for a strong attack in 2011.

Block has definitely made a name for himself. As co-founder of DC Shoes, he helped make DC Shoes one of the leading companies in the industry. He jumped into Rally America in 2005, receiving Rookie of the Year, and continues to prove his speed and skills on the course with numerous podiums and national wins. Also recently becoming a viral video legend, Ken Block’s series of gymkhana videos have 70 million views, and Gymkhana TWO was just named the top 4 viral video of 2009 by Ad Age. Block continues to push forward and based off his abilities thus far, we are excited to see what he will do in the WRC.

“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.  Rally racing has always played a key role in the global motorsports strategy for Ford Motor Company.” remarked Jamie Allison, director Ford North America Motorsports.

Be sure to follow the team throughout the 2010 season at www.monsterworldrallyteam.com.

Watch the Monster World Rally Team launch commercial here on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zve4h1IhfLU.

Monster World Rally Team is proudly supported by: Monster Energy Drink as title sponsor, Ford, DC Shoes, Castrol, and marketing support from Codemasters’ Dirt Franchise.