The Petersen Museum Celebrates the Legacy of Rally Car Star Ken Block
The Petersen Automotive Museum is celebrating the legacy of late rally car star Ken Block through an exclusive exhibition titled "People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block". This tribute to Block’s remarkable career as a rally car driver and his impact on automotive culture is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and fans of action sports.
A Life of Thrills and Speed
Born in Long Beach, California, Block co-founded DC Shoes in 1994 and later became a rally car driver at the age of 38. He quickly made a name for himself, winning several X Games medals and racing in the World Rally Championship with his own Hoonigan Racing Division. Block’s death in a snowmobile accident in 2023 was a shock to the automotive world, but his legacy lives on through this exhibition.
A New Exhibition
The "People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" exhibition is a showcase of Block’s custom cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 2022 Porsche 911, and a 1978 Ford Escort. The exhibit also features memorabilia such as racing suits, helmets, DC Shoes, and Hoonigan merchandise. The cars on display are some of the same vehicles that Block showcased in his online series of films, "Gymkhana", which earned him over 2 million subscribers to his YouTube channel.
"He had over a billion views and he was really a pioneer of automotive culture online," said Michael McCardle, a curator for the museum. "They are purely an exhibition of rally style driving taken to its most extreme; doing doughnuts in incredibly tight spaces, doing slides where the back of the car is hanging centimeters from an edge. It was just this fantastic visual spectacle and some of the most skillful driving anyone has ever seen, with fantastic cinematography to match."
Highlights of the Exhibition
- "Hoonicorn", a 1965 Ford Mustang that appeared in several of Block’s films
- "Hoonipigasus", a 2022 Porsche 911 with a 1,400-horsepower engine
- A 1978 Ford Escort, Block’s first Ford rally car
Exhibition Details
- When: Exhibition opens Saturday, Feb. 15
- Where: Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
- Admission: $21 for adults; $19 for seniors 62 and older; $12 for ages 4-11, $13 for ages 12-17
- Information: 323-930-2277 or petersen.org
Conclusion
The "People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" exhibition is a must-visit for anyone who loves cars, action sports, or Ken Block’s incredible story. The exhibition is a celebration of Block’s remarkable career and his impact on automotive culture, and is sure to inspire and thrill visitors of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the exhibition about?
A: The exhibition is a tribute to the life and career of Ken Block, a rally car driver and action sports icon. - Q: What type of cars will be on display?
A: The exhibition will feature several custom cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 2022 Porsche 911, and a 1978 Ford Escort. - Q: Is the exhibition open to all ages?
A: Yes, the exhibition is open to visitors of all ages. However, please note that some exhibits may be suitable for children aged 4 and above. - Q: Can I purchase tickets online?
A: Yes, tickets can be purchased online through the Petersen Automotive Museum’s website.
