7TH 100 ACRE WOOD WIN FOR KEN BLOCK

For the seventh time in eight years, Ken Block, with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, won the Rally America 100 Acre Wood event in Salem, Missouri on February 22^nd. 

At the wheel of his Hoonigan Racing Division Ford Fiesta, Block started the 2014 season in fine fashion, building a 20.6-second lead over David Higgins’ Subaru Rally Team USA entry. Day 2 saw the pair take to the stages, hoping to build upon their lead. However, a rare blown engine in the Subaru in Stage 9 of the second day of competition allowed Block and Gelsomino to ease up and win the rally virtually uncontested.

HRD’s first competitive event of the 2014, the team came prepared for the second round of the Rally America championship. Two days of practice paid off, as Block and Gelsomino dominating Day 1, winning five of eight stages.

Block said, “I felt as if I had very few mistakes this weekend. Unfortunately, my top competitor fell out on day two and I was able to extend my lead. It took some pressure off, which I don’t like, because I like to push hard.  Instead, I was able to just enjoy these roads and put on a good show for the fans.”

“We had a great event,” added Block. “From the start, our Ford Fiesta HFHV felt great and ran strong. We had the setup dialed in from testing and our notes were clean. I’m bummed that David had to retire due to engine problems, because I was enjoying the battle with him. Still though, it feels awesome to come back here and win for the 7th time in my career, I can’t wait to come back and try to win for the 8th time next year!”  

Block’s win makes him the most winning driver at the 100 Acre Wood event in Rally America history. His next race will be at Global RallyCross Barbados, the weekend of May 17th.