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Ken Block's Gymkhana Three, starring the 2011 Ford Fiesta, coming soon

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Khatir Soltani
As reported by Ford

SAN FRANCISCO,  – In the fall of 2008 Ken Block released a “just for fun” video that took the Internet by storm. It was the launch of Gymkhana, a term and event that has become synonymous with Block. With more than 30 million YouTube views, it has helped establish Block as one of the most high-profile global motorsports stars today.

Photo: Ford

For Monster World Rally Team driver Block, the opportunity to push the limits of his car control while maneuvering around a series of cones, slaloms, 180-degree and 360-degree and figure-eight turns and other obstacles all while utilizing extreme acceleration, braking and drifting is pretty much the definition of fun. For that reason, Block chose the Ford Fiesta as the car that will be purpose-built for his highly anticipated Gymkhana THREE.

“The great thing about Gymkhana for me is that it is amazingly fun to do,” said Block. “It’s taking some of the best parts of rally racing and removing a bit of the stress that is involved with competing, allowing me to just go out and play in an amazing car. I can’t wait to start filming in the Gymkhana THREE 2011 Ford Fiesta. I just did one day of testing in the U.K. with it and it is extremely fun to drive. It has amazing power and control.

“The whole Gymkhana thing started quite simply. I was looking for a way to get more seat time that involved rally-type driving, and a series for actual Gymkhana racing sprung up in California,” said Block. “I built the first car to compete in it, but unfortunately the series folded after only one event. I then had a purpose-built car with nowhere to run it, so I rented El Toro airfield to go have a little fun with my new toy and ended up making a video from the day of practice. Next thing we knew, it exploded on the Internet.”

Within minutes of announcing his decision in January to join Ford Motor Company and run a global rally program, Block’s Facebook page was inundated with inquiries about what this meant for Gymkhana. Today, those same fans get their first look at the car Block will utilize in the video.

“We are so excited to have Ken Block on our team engaging new audiences for Fiesta,” said Sam De La Garza, Fiesta brand manager. “In the first month alone, Ken’s Fiesta videos on YouTube generated more than 1 million views delivering the excitement of the Fiesta brand across the Internet. In just his second race in the Fiesta, Ken and the Monster World Rally Team captured the 100 Acre Wood Rally, showing that this is the beginning of a successful partnership.”

Ken Block unveil's the new Gymkhana THREE Ford Fiesta.(Photo: Ford)
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada