WRC will no longer use Ken Block’s race number (43)

January 10, 2023

Ken Block

It won’t have escaped your notice. Ken Block, who was best known for his spectacular Gymkhana videos on YouTube, died in a snowmobile accident earlier this year at the age of 55. His videos were viewed a total of more than a billion times.

Photos: Red Bull Content Pool

WRC

But the American also had a professional rally career. Block made his debut in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2007 in Mexico and has been at the start of a WRC rally a total of 25 times. #43 was the number he used on the cars he drove since the beginning of his career. In honor of his memory, the WRC organization in cooperation with the FIA has decided to retire the number for the 2023 season.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “Given the enormous contribution our good friend Ken Block made to motorsport and the fact that he was so highly regarded by people worldwide, it is quite appropriate that his number 43 is being withdrawn for the 2023 season.”

“It’s a small gesture, but we hope it will be some support for his family and friends during this time. Ken was a true legend and the memory of this true legend will always be with us.”

Also watch:

How long can you drive an electric car in a traffic jam before the battery runs out?