Ken Block's 2014 team livery is 8bit Zebra Awesomeness.

"TheRallyStache" (bryce-the-hoonigan) 02/18/2014 at 10:31 • Filed to: Ken Block

2

100

Ken Block never was one for subtlety. I dig it.

His HFHV in Rallycross form.

And the Gymkhana form, still featuring those glorious turbofan wheels.

He has also released his full 2014 schedule.

Global RallyCross Championship

• Barbados: May 5th

• X Games Austin: June 6th

• Washington D.C.: June 22nd

• New York: July 20th

• Charlotte: July 26th

• Detroit: August 3rd

• Daytona: August 23rd

• Los Angeles: September 20th

• Seattle: September 27th

• Las Vegas: November 5th

World Rallycross Championship

• Norway: June 14th - 15th

• France: September 6th - 7th

• Turkey: October 11th - 12th

Stage Rally (with co-driver Alex Gelsomino)

• Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (Rally America): February 21st - 22nd

• STPR (Rally America): May 30th - 31st

• WRC Spain: October 24th - 26th

• Monza Rally Show: November 22nd - 24th

Gymkhana Demos

• Japan: July 5th - 6th

• Gymkhana GRID, Madrid: November 1st - 2nd

See all the photos at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! official page.

The Compromiser > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 10:53

5

Anyone Know what it looks like AFTER he drives it?

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > The Compromiser 02/18/2014 at 10:55

41

More than 8 bits? Haha.

dinobot666 > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 11:19

3

That's a pretty packed schedule. I can see now why he couldn't commit to a full season of Rally America.

Hoccy > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 11:26

2

Will be cool to see if he can get to a semi-final in the world rallycross rounds. Norway and France might be the hardest rounds in that championship. Also, WRC!

SubiSanchez > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 11:29

1

Wow so he's also doing some rounds of the new World Rallycross Championship. Sad to see he's not doing WRC Mexico or Finland though and he's also skipping my hometown event the Oregon Trail Rally. That sure is a pretty packed schedule though.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 02/18/2014 at 11:52

12

BADUM TSCH!!!

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 02/18/2014 at 11:56

2

Too soon? NOPE!

TheRallyStache > SubiSanchez 02/18/2014 at 12:12

0

Yeah, sad that he can't do the full Rally America schedule, but I'm glad for his sake he can do another WRC event. The opportunity to compete at that level even if you come in last is unmissable. I will be at OTR, hit me up.

TheRallyStache > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 02/18/2014 at 12:14

2

Photo credit: ME. lol

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 12:15

0

Thanks for the pic. Did a GIS and found it with a Jalopnik address so that is the one I grabbed.

DeltawingGothamDeserves > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 12:32

2

Dat wheel.

CelrDwelr > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 12:41

0

It's very noisy...

...the graphics and the car both.

Dr.Kamiya > SubiSanchez 02/18/2014 at 12:57

0

Wouldn't do to have him dying of dysentery during a rally...

steelbluesleepr > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 12:58

0

I'm less than 100 miles away from the 100 Acre Wood rally in Salem, MO, and my grandmother lives there, but unfortunately I won't be able to attend this year. I'm so disappointed!

SZRimaging > SubiSanchez 02/18/2014 at 12:59

1

He didn't make Sno*Drift either. He was registered and everything. And from the sounds of it, he REALLY wanted to be there, but sponsor obligations got in his way. Wouldn't be surprised if this were the case in any of the Rally America races not on his schedule.

hmphargh > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 12:59

2

I like where that side view mirror is.

webmonkees > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:00

2

8 bits is plenty.

Byron Young > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:00

0

What are these covers for? Are they supposed to increase brake cooling somehow?

almost_hectic > DeltawingGothamDeserves 02/18/2014 at 13:02

2

If they truly were aiming for the 80s, the wheel would have looked like this

Takuro Spirit > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:02

15

Now where I have I recently seen this 8-bit paint scheme.....

MaWeiTao > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:03

0

It took me a while to figure out what was "8-bit" about the livery. Now that I know, I'm trying to figure out what it's supposed to represent... A zebra?

The only cool thing is that wheel cover. The rest of the car is all kinds of awful. Not that WRC typically features the most exciting livery, but even a plain white car is better than this.

Dr. Understeer > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:04

1

"Come at me bro."

Cyrus > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:04

11

I can't take this seriously.

Dusty Ventures > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:05

1

Ah, so the rumors I heard last November were true. Anyone notice what's missing?

leicester > Takuro Spirit 02/18/2014 at 13:06

3

Much more effective.

Dusty Ventures > SZRimaging 02/18/2014 at 13:07

2

You nailed it, that's exactly why he isn't doing the full RA season. Downside to having sponsors: they make the schedule, not you.

Jon > hmphargh 02/18/2014 at 13:08

0

That points to it's tube-frameness (most likely). He's sitting much farther back than a standard road car.

JayHova > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:08

0

Couldn't he reuse his racing livery from last year?

Because this new livery means that boyracers will again have to spend their all their allowance for new stickers instead of substantial upgrades for their Civics.

Dusty Ventures > MaWeiTao 02/18/2014 at 13:10

1

I dunno, I'm kinda loving the new M-Sport cars. Hyundai's not bad either.

FerMorcillo > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:11

0

What's the point of this? Drag reduction? why don't they use it on the rears aswell?

I've seen pics of the post-Group B Lancia Integrale using this too, only on the fronts. But couldn't find a definitive answer for what they are for !

Dusty Ventures > JayHova 02/18/2014 at 13:11

0

Nope. Sponsor change, had to update the livery.

Stradale > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:15

13

The douche is strong with this one!

typhoon5000 > FerMorcillo 02/18/2014 at 13:15

1

They are primarily to cool the front brakes by actually working like a fan, drawing cool air in and directing it to the rotors.

typhoon5000 > Byron Young 02/18/2014 at 13:18

1

Yes, they were originally designed and used for brake cooling in the 80's. As air gets pulled in, it gets directed towards the brake rotors through the spokes. F1 cars still use them and the "wheel" you see is just a decal.

JayHova > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 13:19

0

Aren't Hoonigan and Gymkhana Grid also Kenneth Blockenbichler III-brands? That's some slick business move - start sponsoring your own car in order to make the people buy more merch.

I park in a garage > FerMorcillo 02/18/2014 at 13:20

2

I might be off, but as I understand it, these used to increase the airflow over the brakes to keep them cool. I say "used to" as most modern racing rims don't have that issue as pronounced, or better brakes that don't have the same issues when heat is present. now its just "retro fashion" that looks pretty cool.

mcm2013 > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:21

22

Totally missed opportunity for true retro design....

oldestyoungn > FerMorcillo 02/18/2014 at 13:21

4

It's for tote ridic fluffy blankets all over the tires dawg.

http://jalopnik.com/the-best-part-…

oldestyoungn > hmphargh 02/18/2014 at 13:22

0

Ditto.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > I park in a garage 02/18/2014 at 13:23

0

I think they also do something like pull the air out from underneath the car, creating a vacuum-like effect, and this was the main reason they were banned from rallying.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:23

9

Reminds me of:

oldestyoungn > Byron Young 02/18/2014 at 13:24

0

See my above reply.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Wagons-Midwest > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 13:25

0

I wonder if the car at 100 Acre Wood this weekend will look like that. Currently it's 53 degrees in Salem so there may be no snow this year.

HLFBLKSTIG > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 13:25

5

DC Shoes sponsor?

McNewbie1 > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:25

2

Ken Block in combination with anything Monster=Home Depot vomited all over his shit. He looks hella douchy with those dogs, but hey hoo, his fans love it. If you're going to step outside the box livery wise, I have to admire Karl Kruuda's style.

8-BitMiata > mcm2013 02/18/2014 at 13:27

0

hmmm....

Dusty Ventures > Wagons-Midwest 02/18/2014 at 13:27

0

I'm sure it will look like that. Please don't tell me how great the weather is, it'll just make me even more sad to be without a ride this year.

Dusty Ventures > HLFBLKSTIG 02/18/2014 at 13:28

0

You got it! The ties have been cut

KuroiNasakari > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:29

1

Did someone forget to tell the designers what '8-bit' actually meant?
Jaggy-lines doesn't make something 8-bit.

HLFBLKSTIG > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:29

1

His PR people must be pushing him now for more youtube hits and funds. Also every time I see him he reminds me of someone....

Dusty Ventures > JayHova 02/18/2014 at 13:34

0

Yes, Hoonigan and Grid are his. That said, the Grid logo on the car in the photos is an event decal in the standard event decal location (the spot where the sticker for whatever event you're currently competing in goes). In other words the only time that Grid sticker will be there is for Grid events. Also, the Hoonigan logo is in a position where it would be covered up by the Rally America number banner. I realize Monster called dibs on the prime real estate (which is totally fair), and with only two RA events on the schedule it makes sense to not tailor the livery to the large RA numbering system (all the other events use a smaller sticker system, like the Grid one shown), but it'll be interesting to see how they handle it this weekend. Will they just go ahead and cover the Hoonigan logo?

IknowBetterCuz_I_isNotFatLikeU > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:36

4

Maybe he should skip the European events otherwise it will be too obvious that he is just an average driver. Maybe just stick to clowning around and pretending to be badass and impressing fatsos in the US. Any event he enters with European competition he ends up crashing the car because he can't keep up on this level.

specialfunk > FerMorcillo 02/18/2014 at 13:39

3

Combine what two people have said. The draw air from under the car into the brakes. This cools the brakes and also creates a low pressure zone under the car, increasing down force. Banned in a lot of racing series now.

apogee17 > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 13:40

2

The problem isn't the pixel graphic, it's the fact that none of the sponsor marks and other design elements are integrated into the pixel graphic design. They're just stickers haphazardly tacked to the body panels, an out-of-place front wheel fan design and random blocks of cyan. None of it looks like it belongs in one place.

What the Block team should do is render the logos in style with the rest of the car design. It'd be a lot better than this cobbled-together mess.

specialfunk > Byron Young 02/18/2014 at 13:41

1

Brake cooling, and down force for the car. Draws are from under the car, through the wheel (past the brakes) and out. This creates a low pressure system under the car, and bam, more down force. Has been banned in a lot of racing series.

ladewr > leicester 02/18/2014 at 13:43

0

Yep. Less is more.

The Compromiser > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 02/18/2014 at 13:43

0

You see lady, the problem is with your Spare Tire. See its not supposed to be wedged in like that. I'll remove it and your My Ford Touch should be just fine for your drive home.

That'll be $164.

Dusty Ventures > McNewbie1 02/18/2014 at 13:44

3

That's vintage Kruuda. You needs some 2014 edition ;) I'm pretty sure drugs were involved with the creation of this livery. Also, dat race suit.

Tareim - V8 powered > hmphargh 02/18/2014 at 13:44

1

The driver sits further back for better weight distribution therefore the side mirrors need to be placed further back to make better use of them

nestanj > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:49

0

Uhh, its called the World RALLY Championship — not Rallycross.

DeMarcusStark > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 13:53

0

The DC shoes logo is in the front bumper, so, nope, the ties are still there

Dusty Ventures > IknowBetterCuz_I_isNotFatLikeU 02/18/2014 at 13:55

1

Fastest non-factory driver in WRC Mexico 2013, not only finished but scored points in five of his last seven WRC events. Just sayin'

RS Hole, I forgot my password for 8 months > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 13:57

1

8-bit? Or digital camo? I am disappoint

McNewbie1 > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 14:00

1

The first time I saw his new race suit, I had to zoom in and out like 3 times. "What in the hell...is that a shark?" LOL
I love his joie de vivre.

Dusty Ventures > DeMarcusStark 02/18/2014 at 14:02

0

Do you have a head-on shot? Or are you talking about the small orange logo low and just in front of the front wheel? Either way it's at least a significant reduction in visibility if not (yet) a complete departure from his former company. They appear to be completely absent from his suit as well (or the front at least).

Dusty Ventures > McNewbie1 02/18/2014 at 14:02

1

A shark... with a wrench!

corky dorkelson > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 14:03

0

Stay classy, KB. I still hope for a livery that isn't a seizure on wheels.

OldManMcKenna > Takuro Spirit 02/18/2014 at 14:03

2

Amen. Less is more. 8-Bit Miata does it better.

Eric Johnson > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 14:12

1

I don't care if these help. Looks like ass. Same as when BMW put them on the E34 M5. The wheels underneath are eleventy million times better naked.

DeMarcusStark > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 14:13

0

You're right, it is smaller
What did you heard, i haven't heard nothing about them spliting

Leggett84 > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 14:23

0

Cut as in no longer part owner of DC Shoes or just not effectively sponsoring himself?

Dusty Ventures > DeMarcusStark 02/18/2014 at 14:24

0

Apparently Quiksilver (owners of DC since 2004) aren't all that into the motorsports game anymore. The slow separation actually started last year (the reason there's no mention of DC in Gym 6 up until the poster frame of all Ken's sponsors at the end of the vid, unlike the previous Gym vids).

Dusty Ventures > Leggett84 02/18/2014 at 14:27

0

Ken hasn't owned DC since 2004. He was "Chief Brand Officer" for a while after that, but that's been over for a while as well.

brandondrums > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 14:32

1

Oh great, Ken block is posing with my dog...now I have to get rid of my dog. Anyone want a big 90 lb Siberian Husky?

DeMarcusStark > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 14:32

0

That's too bad
I got a pair of DC pro spec 3.0's and i wanted to get another one before they wear out but i found out they were not available anymore.
Now i see why :(

McNewbie1 > Dusty Ventures 02/18/2014 at 14:35

0

There were no drugs involved with the creation of this livery or Kruuda's firesuit. Carry on.
/possibly alcohol though.

Grigore > mcm2013 02/18/2014 at 14:35

0

Not unless they are sponsored by Google Chrome.

Elmo > IknowBetterCuz_I_isNotFatLikeU 02/18/2014 at 14:35

0

You don't research much do you?

almost_hectic > oldestyoungn 02/18/2014 at 14:38

0

sure it seems cool now, but wait til you go to Superdawg and they cant hook the tray on your car

Elmo > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 14:38

11

Except he's not a douche and this was done to be funny. Ken Block is VERY far from being a douche. Him and Tanner Foust are probably the coolest individuals in rallying and aren't some stuck-up piece of shits. Having met Ken, I can say that he is one down to Earth individual is extremely funny. He's also family oriented, seeing as his kids are his main focus away from the dirt/track.

Elmo > brandondrums 02/18/2014 at 14:39

1

Why do you have to get rid of your dog? Because he's associated with one of rally's fastest rising drivers in the world right now?

Dusty Ventures > McNewbie1 02/18/2014 at 14:40

1

Mushrooms discovered in the forest?

Stradale > Elmo 02/18/2014 at 14:42

4

You must have meet him on a good day.

Elmo > nestanj 02/18/2014 at 14:43

2

Uh you're an idiot that doesn't know how to research. He will be competing in the World Rallycross Championship, which doesn't equate to the WRC. What it is is the WRCC, which is a rallycross championship like that of the GRC.

By the way, his WRC events are posted below that.

But thanks for being a douche, douche.

Elmo > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 14:44

3

Nope. From everybody I have talked to who has met him says the same exact thing. He's not, at all, a bad guy.

Frank Daviel > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 14:47

1

I stopped caring for Ken Block when I realized he doesn't win....

FACEMAN. The man with a face. > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 14:49

3

Haven't had the pleasure of meeting him personally, but everyone I know to have met him says he's a real standup guy.

Sure his marketing is is loud and overtly douche-bro-y, but lets face it, thats his companies target market, so why wouldn't he???

Guys knows how to make money to support his family and keep doing what he loves and the world loves to chastise him for it knowing full well they would do the same damn thing if they were in his shoes.

Is he the best, fastest driver in the world? Not even close. But then he's never actually made that claim. (During his season of WRC every time there was a microphone in his face he always said "We're not here to win, we're here to learn and improve. That is the goal at every event."

wizkashifa > specialfunk 02/18/2014 at 14:53

0

But extra awesome because downforce with little drag, and fluffy blankets.

Burn The Block > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 15:00

1

It's not 8-bit at all, nor is it pixel art. Closer to just being pixelated camouflage.

Stradale > FACEMAN. The man with a face. 02/18/2014 at 15:00

0

Still not my style and he comes off as a douche when I met him. If you are going to be loud and overtly douche-bro-y then you should at least be good. Sorry but there are many many other humble good drivers I would rather give attention to that this walking advertisement bro.

TheRallyStache > Burn The Block 02/18/2014 at 15:04

0

I actually was hoping he was going the digital snow camo route, based off of his teaser shots the past few days. Still I kinda like this. It's different, and undeniably unique.

Collin Maley > Takuro Spirit 02/18/2014 at 15:06

0

So much win.

TheRallyStache > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 15:10

3

If you had the chance to drive in your absolute favorite motorsport and do what you love in one of the top performing cars in the top class, and all you needed to do was pose the way your sponsors told you do, I'm pretty damn sure you'd do it too. He doesn't have to be your favorite, but you should at least not ignorantly disrespect him based on some misguided principle like "rally drivers shouldn't wear flat billed hats". I've met him several times, and every single time, he was nice, calm, down to earth, and cared about his fans a lot.

Elmo > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 15:15

1

Then he should at least be good? Good GOD are people really this out of touch? RESEARCH PEOPLE. It isn't that hard.

FACEMAN. The man with a face. > Stradale 02/18/2014 at 15:17

1

And thats totally fair!

But bear in mind his sponsors and endorsements. Part of racing is keeping them happy and keeping them happy means selling product, not winning races. As a rally driver myself who is constantly looking for even the smallest endorsements, discounts and giveaways, I can tell you its hard work and if you dont fit the brand demographic and cant move product, you are nothing but a waste of their time. Doesnt matter how many races you win.

If you are a rep for DC shoes and Monster energy drink, you, your style, your brand have to appeal to that market. If you dont, why the hell would they give you tons of money?? Sponsorship is all about ROI.

So that being said, his whole public image is based on the fact that he is slinging products to that type of person. No one is going to buy a monster because David Higgens is drinking it. Frankly most people who drink Monster probably dont know or care who he is.

I'm not disagreeing with you- There are many better drivers who deserve the spotlight he has far more than he does, but he's manage to stay in it because he knows how to market himself and his sponsors very, very well. The loud douchy character? Well...do you know anyone who wears head to toe DC gear and is constantly swilling Monster? Yeah...

Stradale > FACEMAN. The man with a face. 02/18/2014 at 15:37

0

All those other drivers have sponsors too, you act like Ken is the only one who has to has sponsorship to fulfill. Ken has been doing this long enough and companies know how many dude bros he pulls in that he could probably get any sponsor he wants, he hardly has to be their monkey he has plenty of control. Not to mention that i'm sure he has made enough money that he could be racing for himself with his own team, like Patrick Dempsey (Dempsy racing).

Stradale > TheRallyStache 02/18/2014 at 15:39

0

Sorry, he is a walking advertisement/corporate monkey, I'll give my respect to those who actually deserve it. There are plenty of other drivers who have to meet sponsor requirement without being a dude bro douche.

Stradale > Elmo 02/18/2014 at 15:40

0

You think Ken Block is good? lol, you are not good when someone comes into your home racing style and whips your ass the first year he is in it. If you don't know who i'm talking about do some RESEARCH!

nestanj > Elmo 02/18/2014 at 15:43

0

This is great news, Elmo. I'm really pleased that Mr. Block will only be crashing out of one WRC event this year.

nestanj > FACEMAN. The man with a face. 02/18/2014 at 15:47

0

I would be SHOCKED to find out he has made a single dime of profit from racing.