RALLY driver Ken Block died aged 55 on January 2, 2023, after a snowmobile accident near his Utah home.
During his life, Block co-owned two major companies, DC Shoes and Hoonigan Industries. Here’s what we know about his business ventures.
When did Ken Block found DC Shoes?
Block co-founded skateboarding fashion brand DC Shoes in 1994 with friends Damon Way and Clayton Blehm.
The business was based out of Carlsbad, California, and specialises in making shoes for action sports, particularly snow and skateboarding.
The “DC” in the name originally stood for Droors Clothing, but the two companies have since severed ties.
DC Shoes sponsored Block’s car when he began rallying in 2005 and also sponsors an all-star international skateboarding team.
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When did Ken Block sell DC Shoes?
Block and the other founders sold DC Shoes in March 2004.
It was bought by surfing apparel giant Quicksilver for $87million.
Since the sale, the business has moved to Vista, California, and undergone a full rebranding.
The promotion continued to sign new skateboarding team members to model their products and have collaborated on a shoe line with skating magazine Skate Jawn.
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When did Ken Block found Hoonigan?
Block founded Hoonigan Industries in 2010 initially to support Hoonigan Racing Division and help him compete for world championships in rallying.
The team was first sponsored by energy drink company Monster, and was called Monster World Rally Team, but was later renamed Hoonigan Racing Division.
Block claimed second place in the 2014 Global RallyCross representing the team.
Alongside the racing section of the company, Block also owned Hoonigan Industries until his death on January 2, 2023.
The company makes apparel for motorsport enthusiasts.
Under the Hoonigan brand Block produced the viral Gymkhana videos.
Block was known as HHIC, Head Hoonigan In Charge, and his series The Gymkhana Files aired on TV in 2018.
The series, which can be watched on Amazon Prime, gives viewers an in-depth look at one of the world’s wildest, most successful viral video franchises of all time
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
