More stories

  • in

    When did Ken Block found DC Shoes and Hoonigan?

    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.
    Ken Black co-owned both DC Shoes and Hoonigan Industries before his tragic death on January 2, 2023Credit: Getty
    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.
    READ MORE ON KEN BLOCK
    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.
    Most read in Motorsport
    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 More

  • in

    Michael Schumacher’s son Mick posts emotional update about stricken dad on 54th birthday telling F1 legend ‘I love you’

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s son has shared a touching tribute to his F1 legend father as the stricken start turned 54.The seven-time world champion has not been seen or heard from since a horror ski crash back in 2013.
    Mick shared a touching tribute to Michael on Instagram
    Mick also shared a picture of the Schumacher family on Christmas Eve
    His son Mick, 23, took to Instagram as the motorsport world marked the Ferrari and Mercedes legend’s birthday on January 3.
    He shared a touching photo of dad and son smiling as they posed inside a picture frame.
    “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever ❤️ love you!,” wrote Mick.
    The post received hundreds of thousands of likes in just a few hours.
    READ MORE ON SCHUMACHER
    Fans and wellwishers also posted messages of support for Schuey.
    The F1 legend’s health remains a closely guarded secret by the family, with very little information being made public.
    Michael’s last F1 team, Mercedes, posted a single heart on the picture shared by Mick.
    Mick – who is also a racing driver – recently signed for the team as a reserve driver, being the backup to Brit duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
    Most read in Motorsport
    Ferrari engineer Gino Rosato also replied to Mick’s post, replying “Happy Birthday” with three hearts.
    He also posted his own tribute to Michael.
    “Time passes but certain things never change”, wrote Gino.
    “You are still the Greatest of All Time !! Some drove the best cars , you drove the best races !! Always in my heart.”
    He shared a picture of Michael smiling as the pair posed together with champagne bottles.
    Days before on Christmas Eve, Mick had also shared a touching family photo showing him sitting alongside his mum Corinna and sister Gina-Maria.
    Fans also responded to the message, noticing the horrible absence of Michael.
    Ferrari mechanic Gino Rosato also paid tribute to Schumacher
    Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing with the then teen Mick near Meribel, France, on December 29, 2013.
    Doctors battled to save his life and put him in a medically induced coma.
    Since then he is said to have regained consciousness – but his family has kept details of his health a closely-guarded secret.
    After leaving hospital, he was reportedly cared for by a private medical team at his home in Switzerland.
    Only a few close friends are allowed to visit him.
    The lack of official updates on Michael’s health has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
    Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
    Schumacher’s pal ex-F1 boss Jean Todt – who is understood be one of few friends who goes to see the stricken driver – gave a rare update in July 2022.
    The 74-year-old told German TV channel RTL: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
    “But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
    The former Ferrari chief previously told how he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again, revealing Schumacher has “never changed”.
    He continued: “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together.
    “The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
    “Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
    The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
    Read More on The Sun
    He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
    And the brief second act of his career saw him become instrumental in setting up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team.
    Michael and Mick had a very close bondCredit: PA
    The 23-year-old followed his dad’s footsteps into F1Credit: AFP More

  • in

    What was Ken Block’s net worth?

    RACING driver Ken Block has died at the age of 55 in a snowmobile accident in Utah on January 2, 2023.Outside of rallying he was a successful businessman and co-owned a number of companies – here’s what we know about his net worth.
    Rally legend Ken Block died aged 55 in a snowmobile accidentCredit: Reuters
    What was Ken Block’s net worth?
    Ken Block’s net worth has been estimated between $100million and $200million.
    Reports suggest that he had a $200million fortune in 2012 but that this had shrunk by up to half by 2023.
    He owned an extensive car collection and at least two large properties.
    His main home was in Park City, Utah, while he also had a house in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
    READ MORE ON KEN BLOCK
    What did Ken Block do before racing?
    Before taking up rallying, Block was a successful businessman and general action sports enthusiast.
    He co-founded skating fashion company DC Shoes in 1994 and the company sponsored his debut car in 2005.
    He was then inspired to try racing at the age of almost 40 by his friend Travis Pastrana.
    How did Ken Block get rich?
    Block’s wealth came mainly from his rallying career and the two companies he co-owned, DC Shoes, and motor apparel brand Hoonigan Industries.
    Most read in Motorsport
    Ken and business partner Damon Way sold DC Shoes for $87million.
    They made $1.5million in their first year after setting up the company with a $10,000 loan from Block’s parents.
    After its sale, Ken remained at DC Shoes as Brand Vision Leader.
    Ken was “Head Hoonigan in Charge” of Hoonigan Industries up until his death.
    The company made clothing and other apparel for petrolheads and also operated Block’s racing team in partnership with Ford until 2021.
    The driver also raced in every rally season from his 2005 debut until 2015, winning 15 Rally America races and six Global RallyCross races in his decade-long career.
    Spin-off Hoonigan Media Machine created video content for fans including the popular Gymkhana Files, which reportedly brought in more sponsors for his racing career.
    What happened to Ken Block?
    Block died in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Park City, Utah, on the afternoon of January 2 2023.
    According to cops, he was riding the snowmobile down a steep slope when the vehicle upended and landed on top of him.
    Block was riding in a group, but was alone when the accident happened.
    Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his death in a statement, adding: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We thank all of our first responders for their continued service.”
    The state’s medical examiner will now work to determine the exact cause of death. More

  • in

    Who was Ken Block and what was his cause of death?

    RALLY star Ken Block tragically died on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the age of 55 at his ranch in Utah.The driving legend’s passing was announced by his team, Honnigan Racing Division – here’s everything we know.
    Ken Block died aged 55 in Utah on January 2
    Who was Ken Block?
    Ken Block was a rally car driver, with a decade-long professional career, racing in every season between 2005 and 2015.
    He also competed in a range of other action sports, including skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross.
    As well as racing, he co-founded DC Shoes, a skating fashion brand, in 1994 and co-owned Hoonigan industries, which makes clothing and apparel for motor enthusiasts.
    He is best known to British audiences for appearing in two episodes of Top Gear.
    READ MORE ON KEN BLOCK
    Block also found fame for his series of “gymkhana” videos on YouTube, in which he performed daring stunts in a range of vehicles.
    Block was born in California on November 21, 1967.
    He is survived by his wife Lucy and 16-year-old daughter Lia, who is also a racing driver.
    How did Ken Block die?
    Block died in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Park City, Utah, on the afternoon of January 2 2023.
    Most read in Motorsport
    According to cops, he was riding the snowmobile down a steep slope when the vehicle upended and landed on top of him.
    He was riding in a group, but was alone when the accident happened.
    Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his death in a statement, adding: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected.
    “We thank all of our first responders for their continued service.”
    The state’s medical examiner will now work to determine the exact cause of death.
    Who did Ken Block race for?
    The much-loved driver has raced with a few different teams over the course of his celebrated career.
    He debuted in 2005 with Vermont SportsCar and raced under a sponsorship deal with Subaru.
    However, he signed with the Ford-sponsored Monster World Rally Team in 2010.
    That team later became Hoonigan Racing Division, in partnership with Block’s own Hoonigan Industries.
    When was Ken Block on Top Gear?
    Block appeared in two Top Gear episodes, one in 2009 and one in 2010.
    Read More on The Sun
    In the first, he starred alongside James May as “Captain Slow” m in his Subaru for a rally stage around Inyokern Airport in California.
    And in the second he was challenged by Jeremy Clarkson to drive a three-wheeled Reliant Robin around the test track – but he rolled it at the first corner and escaped unharmed. More

  • in

    George Russell parties his way into 2023 with Lewis Hamilton’s great F1 rival Fernando Alonso at lavish Monaco bash

    FORMULA ONE superstars George Russell and Fernando Alonso celebrated New Year’s Eve in style as they partied together ahead of the 2023 season.The duo were pictured together at an event in the early hours of Sunday morning by Russell’s girlfriend, Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Russell and Alonso partied togetherCredit: Instagram @carmenmmundt
    The Mercedes man spent the evening with his girlfriend CarmenCredit: Instagram @carmenmmundt
    Both drivers appeared to be enjoying themselves as they danced the night away.
    Russell, 24, then posted the image on his Instagram story with a caption which simply read: “2023”.
    The Mercedes man and his girlfriend spent the evening together with a group of friends after dining at a local restaurant.
    W Series champion Jamie Chadwick also joined in with the celebrations.
    Read More on F1
    Russell is currently preparing for his second season with F1 giants Mercedes.
    In 2022 he finished fourth in the Drivers Championship standings, 179 points adrift of Max Verstappen.
    And in November he won his first-ever F1 race in Brazil after narrowly pipping team-mate Lewis Hamilton to the finish line.
    Meanwhile, Alonso is set to join up with his new team Aston Martin.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    The Spaniard was announced as the replacement for now-retired Sebastian Vettel in August.
    He will link up with Canadian driver Lance Stroll before pre-season testing begins in February. More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton is only F1 star not to vote for drivers’ Driver of the Year as Mercedes star finishes third

    LEWIS HAMILTON was the ONLY driver not to vote for drivers’ Driver of the Year.Great rival Max Verstappen came out on top after retaining his title in 2022.
    Lewis Hamilton decided against voting for drivers’ Driver of the YearCredit: Alamy
    The Dutchman dominated and came an incredible 214 points ahead of Hamilton, who finished sixth in the standings.
    As a result, the seven-time world champion was voted as the third best driver of the year.
    He was joint with team-mate George Russell.
    But Hamilton decided against submitting a vote of his own – the only driver to do so.
    READ MORE IN F1
    Charles Leclerc, who was Verstappen’s closet challenge in the 2022 season, was runner-up.
    Despite the snub, Hamilton was all smiles in his latest Instagram post.
    The Formula One star is enjoying some time away from the track after the worst year of his career.
    He’s spending some quality family time while on a skiing holiday.
    Most read in Motorsport
    And the 37-year-old looked cheerful as he uploaded a selfie with his niece and nephew.
    Hamilton’s dad Anthony was also in action on the slopes.
    The caption read: “Verified Hope everyones holidays have been happy.
    “Sending you and your loved ones love, light, and Uncle Terry’s “moves” 😂😂.” More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton plays Twister with his niece and nephew and brags ‘I won’ during skiing trip with dad Anthony and family

    LEWIS HAMILTON boasted of beating his niece and nephew in a game of Twister while on a skiing holiday with family. The Formula One legend is enjoying some time away from the track following an underwhelming season this year.
    Lewis Hamilton with his niece and nephew on a family skiing tripCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Hamilton pictured next to his dad Anthony and uncleCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Hamilton played a family game of Twister – but showed his competitive spirit
    But the seven-time champion was still all smiles as he hit the slopes with his family.
    Hamilton, 37, smiled in a selfie with his niece and nephew as well as showing off his dad Anthony in action.
    The Mercedes star is level with Michael Schumacher as the most successful F1 drivers ever. But Hamilton is desperate for a record-breaking eighth and his competitiveness knows no bounds – even when it comes to games night.
    He uploaded an adorable video playing Twister with his niece and nephew but jokingly assured his fans: “I won.”
    READ MORE IN sport
    The F1 pilot had earlier been teaching his young relations how to ski at the exclusive resort.
    Hamilton is contracted to Merc until the end of 2023 and has previously declared he would not like to race in F1 beyond 40.
    That would leave Hamilton with two or three seasons left in the sport and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is keen to make sure the Brit finishes with the team.
    He told F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast: “Certainly, Lewis’ contract is one of the topics that we will tackle over the winter.
    Most read in Motorsport
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “There’s no firm deadline. Absolutely, Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis. 
    “[There is] no reason [for that] to not continue. I think one of his strengths is that he’s always hungry, always eager. 
    “He’s a great sportsman but he’s also someone who is extremely driven and determined.”
    Hamilton was all smiles on the tripCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    He was teaching his niece and nephew to skiCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Hamilton shared a number of posts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony hit the slopes tooCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton More

  • in

    Philippe Streiff dead at 67: Tributes paid to F1 icon who was left paralysed in horror pre-season testing accident

    FORMULA ONE legend Philippe Streiff has died at the age of 67 bringing the world of motorsport to mourning.Streiff enjoyed a notable career as he won the French Formula 3 championship in 1981 before moving up to F1 three years later.
    Formula One legend Philippe Streiff has died at the age of 67Credit: Rex
    Philippe Streiff enjoyed a lot of success during his motorsport careerCredit: Getty
    Philippe Streiff also left a mark in the sport after his horror accidentCredit: AFP
    The former Tyrrell and AGS driver recorded one podium finish after finishing third at the 1985 Australian Grand Prix while competing for Equipe Ligier.
    But unfortunately the Frenchman’s career was cut short after a horrific car crash during pre-season testing in Brazil in 1989.
    The former Renault star was left paralysed from the neck down but he continued to stay close with the sport.
    Streiff organised the Masters Karting Paris Bercy competition, which saw F1 stars like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel perform.
    Read More in F1
    The legendary driver was also key in promoting awareness of road safety and disabilities.
    Tributes poured following the news of his death with notable figures from F1 and other backgrounds paying their respects.
    Streiff’s former Tyrrell team-mate Martin Brundle tweeted: “Sad to hear this about my former teammate Philippe.
    “Lovely guy, and very stylish in and out of the car. I remember that day clearly when we were testing in Rio and he had his crash. The red flag followed by the medivac heli. Different days.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated: “I am saddened to hear that Philippe Streiff has passed away. He showed incredible guts and determination throughout his life.
    “The way he overcame his accident and rebuilt his life was inspirational. We all send our condolences to his family at this sad time.”
    Author Richard Jenkins added: “His constant positive outlook on life despite great adversity is an inspiration to us all.
    “He was a huge help & great supporter of the upcoming Tyrrell book & will be missed by so many. He was much underrated driver too. RIP.” More