FIA Strips Ken Block's Racing Number from the 2023 WRC Season
In honor of rally and "gymkhana" icon Ken Block, who died in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Utah on January 2 at the age of 55, the FIA, in conjunction with World Rally Championship organizers, will retire the number 43 from the 2023 season.
Brock had competed under number 43 since the beginning of his motorsport career, including in the WRC in the 2000s; he made his WRC debut at the 2007 Mexican Grand Prix, primarily at the wheel of an M-Sport Ford, which he eventually drove in 25 races.
He also competed in rallycross, including the X-Games, and in American, European, and World Championships. However, it was the "Gymkhana" videos that brought him the most fame, the first of which was simply Brock fine-tuning his rally skills in front of the camera. This was in 2006, and the concept continues to this day.
Although Brock did not achieve much success in the WRC, his impact on the sport and rallying in general cannot be underestimated. Thanks to his fascination with fans and his love of stunts like the "Gymkhana" video, Brock was able to introduce rallying to a wider audience. [FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem said in a statement, "Although it is a small gesture, we hope that his family and friends can take some comfort at this time. Ken was a true legend and the memory of this true legend will live with us forever."
