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      ‘Lived life to the fullest’ – Lewis Hamilton’s touching tribute to ‘dear friend’ Ken Block after rally driver died at 55

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has posted a fitting tribute to his “dear friend” Ken Block after the rally driver’s death, aged 55.The seven-time world champion, 37, shared an image of him and Block in ski gear with a dove emoji above it.
      Lewis Hamilton shared an image of him and Ken Block in ski gear
      The F1 champion then posted a statement dedicated to his friend
      Block died in a snowmobile crash at the age of 55Credit: AFP
      Prior to sharing the picture, he also added a post onto his Instagram story dedicated to the passing of his friend – who died in a snowmobile crash.
      It read: “I’ve been mostly off social media to focus on my health and well-being.
      “Today I received news of the loss of a dear friend.
      “I am devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing. He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest.
      READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
      “I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel.
      “Years ago, we had an amazing time heli-skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
      “We held so much respect for one another.
      “He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Rest in peace, Ken.”
      The horror accident took place on Block’s ranch in northern Utah.
      Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
      Block became one of the most famous rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
      He landed Rookie of the Year in his first season in the Rally America Championship.
      He then went on to clinch a host of overall wins and podium appearances.
      Block also competed in motocross, skateboarding, and other action sports.
      He was known to British fans after appearing in several episodes of Top Gear.
      Read More on The Sun
      In the first, he starred alongside James May, partnering him 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.
      Hamilton was devastated to hear about his friend’s passingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton More

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      Top Gear star Ken Block spent ‘epic’ Christmas with family and posted heartwarming snaps just days before tragic death

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      LATE rally-driving icon Ken Block shared pictures of his “epic” family Christmas in final social media posts just days before his tragic death.The 55-year-old former Top Gear guest died aged 55 following a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block shared sweet family photos days before his tragic deathCredit: Instagram
      Block died after his snowmobile flipped over in a horror accidentCredit: Getty
      The rally driver spent Christmas with his wife and three kids in CanadaCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Shortly before his death, the rally car champ had shared pictures of his stunning Christmas spent with his family.
      Heartbreaking photos show him surrounded by his family during a winter getaway to the Selkirk Mountains in British Colombia, southwestern Canada.
      The driver was killed after his snowmobile overturned and landed on top of him.
      He was pronounced dead at the scene, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.

      Just before the new year, Block took to his Instagram to share the sweet holiday snaps.
      He wrote: “Merry Christmas from the Blocks, from Baldface Lodge! Here’s a photo dump of some of my fave shots.”
      One picture from the “epic holiday trip” shows the family outside in the ice and snow next to a helicopter.
      Block is seen wrapped up warm with his wife Lucy and their three children.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Other snaps show a game of table tennis, setting up the Christmas tree, fireworks, and snowboards.
      The family spent Christmas at the sprawling Baldface Lodge, which boasts some 32,000 acres of wild terrain in the Selkirk Mountains some 400 miles east of Vancouver, Canada.
      He also thanked the lodge’s owner Jeff Pensiero for his hospitality.
      Block’s daughter Lia has followed in her father’s footsteps and become a driver, and previously competed on her father’s Hoonigan Racing team.
      He made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in a rare interview before his tragic death.
      Block had warned about “sketchy snow” on his ranch in a haunting final post hours before the fatal accident.
      He became one of the most famous Rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
      Block’s team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying “he will be incredibly missed.”
      “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” the team said in a statement.
      He reached a whole new legion of fans thanks to his antics on social media and Top Gear.
      Top Gear reboot host Matt LeBlanc posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
      “So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon,” he wrote.
      “You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend.”
      Alex Renton, executive producer of Top Gear, told The Sun Online: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience.
      He shared heartwarming snaps inside their Christmas lodgeCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      He thanked the lodge owner for his hospitalityCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      The sweet family snaps were posted days before the fatal accidentCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Block was an icon in the world of rally drivingCredit: AFP More

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      How Ken Block made chilling admission about ‘difficulty handling fear’ before tragic snowmobile death

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      RALLY driving icon Ken Block made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in one of his last interviews before tragic death.The legendary former Top Gear stunt driver was killed in a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block had spoken of his fears of crashes in an interviewCredit: AFP
      He died in a snowmobiling accident at his ranchCredit: Instagram
      He was speaking after the controversial 2016 Top Gear stunt near the CenotaphCredit: Fame Flynet
      Former Top Gear presenter James May led the tributes to the beloved racer, tweeting: “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out.”
      Block made two appearances on Top Gear, performing a number of daring stunts, including the legendary airfield drifting scene.
      His team, Hoonigan Racing Division, said in a statement: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”
      In 2016, he sparked controversy after he appeared in an episode of the rebooted series of Top Gear, driving around London with host and former Friends star Matt LeBlanc.

      It was later revealed that the pair performed doughnuts, burnouts, and wheelspins on the streets of the capital, leaving blackened tyre streaks along Whitehall close to the Cenotaph memorial.
      In the face of the row, the BBC later apologised and the Cenotaph footage was never aired.
      Speaking to The Sun just after his controversial Cenotaph stunt, Block spoke about getting old.
      “I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficult,” he said.
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      “In the past year I’ve done two of the most dangerous things I’ve done, which is sliding at the edge of a cliff at Pike’s Peak for Climbkhana and sliding the car with part of the wheel off the edge of a dock for Gymkhana 9.
      “It takes a lot of nerve to do this stuff, especially when you’re dealing with a big car and placing it within inches, it can be quite difficult sometimes.”
      He added: “It’s part of what makes this such a big thrill for me. I started it because it really was a dream come true.”
      I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficultKen Block
      Block was killed in a horror accident on his ranch in northern Utah.
      Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
      The action sports star was at his ranch sharing pictures of the snow-covered state on Instagram early Monday morning.
      One of his recent posts shows a few snowmobiles blanketed in snow.
      Before that, he shared a picture of the scene in northern Utah after heavy snowCredit: Instagram/@kblock43
      The controversial Cenotaph footage was never airedCredit: Top Gear
      Tributes have poured in for Block from around the world of motorsportCredit: Getty
      He had been performing stunts on a snowmobile last week in Idaho – and even then admitted its power had taken him by surprise.
      “Lots of power up at high elevations, and wheelies all day! Epic early season powder, and an amazing first day. Wheelies, deep pow turns, and a lot of learning on this new sled – good times,” he wrote.
      And he had been snowmobiling in Utah as he kept fans up to date on Instagram.
      On Monday, hours before his death, he wrote: “It’s been DUMPING snow in Park City, Utah this week with more forecasted for the weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to make it out to the ranch without the @SkiDoo sleds and @KubotaUSA machinery to clear the way!
      “Can’t wait to see how much more powder stacks up over the next few days.”
      Starting his rally driving career in 2005, Block raced in series such as Rally America and Global Rallycross.
      He was later introduced to a new generation of fans with his YouTube video series “Gymkhana”.
      The ten-part series, which featured the California-born stunt driver performing a series of daring feats, earned him almost two million subscribers on the video platform.
      He also co-founded the skate-wear clothing brand DC Shoes.
      Tributes for Block have poured in from around the world of motorsports.
      World motorsport chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FiA, wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block.
      “An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43.”
      Former Top Gear host James May paid tribute to Block on Twitter and share a link to their airfield rally video.
      Read More on The Sun
      “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out,” he wrote.
      While executive producer of Top Gear, Alex Renton, described him as “a trailblazer in the automotive industry”. More

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      When did Ken Block found DC Shoes and Hoonigan?

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      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

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

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      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

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      What was Ken Block’s net worth?

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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
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      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