A sudden downpour had forced the driver autograph session inside the Daytona garages, tables and a queue quickly assembled. The masses quickly lined up yet waited–patiently–as the man at the head of the line had not yet been seated. For a few moments with Ken Block, they’d wait, a mix of smiles, DC shoes and Monster Energy paraphernalia.
As reported …
Absolutely gutted. I had the chance to meet Ken when I was in college just before the first Red Bull Global Rallycross, if I remember correctly.
He had the energy of an all-around great guy, and watching him compete and drive in his many Gymkhana videos only proved that he was dedicated to going fast and becoming a better driver.
Ken has been a big influence on me, and I hope we never forget the impact he's had on us and our weird hobby.
Wow, wow, wow ... that is really sucky news. While never meeting the man, I will say I was often spurred on by his utter enthusiasm for our sport and passion of cars. 2023 is off to a cruddy start 
The rally community will be missing him sorely, he contributed so much to the visibility of the sport and inspired thousands. The world of stage rally won't be the same without him and Al, devastating. He was always there for the fans, it was very inspiring to see him with the block family on stage at LSPR last year. What an impact he made!
In reply to Colin Wood :
I didn't know that you two had met, and that's a terrific photo. It is gutting as he was one of this generation's legends, someone who transcended past the typical motorsports boundaries.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
The best part about that photo is that it was almost entirely by chance.
I just happened to come across an Instagram post (probably from the Hoonigans) that Ken was going to be at the Zumiez (I think?) at the Volusia Mall in Daytona to meet and greet and sign autographs.
My brother lived in Daytona at the time, and happened to have a case of the small Monster cans and thought "what better thing to have him sign?"
Myself, my brother and my dad all ran down to the mall to go meet him. Surprisingly, there really wasn't a huge line, just a lot of mall-goers wondering why some people were lining up to see some guy in a clothing store.
We didn't talk much, but he did comment on our choice to have the cans signed, and mentioned something to the effect of "I didn't realize the small cans were available in the U.S. yet." (In hindsight, I wish I talked more with him, but social awkwardness/anxiety always gets the best of me around any sort of celebrity.)
I think that can is still on my dresser at my parent's house. I'll have to grab it the next time I'm in their neck of the woods.
Okay, I was wondering where that photo was taken. Very cool story.
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