Subaru Quietly Retires Ken Block’s Number 43 WRX STI

Subaru honors the late Ken Block at the 100 Acre Wood Rally. The WRX STI that gave the late and legendary Ken Block his first overall win at 100 Acre Wood (and set the world record for the longest distance jump, 171 feet) was in attendance to honor the visionary driver as his number 43 was retired.

On January 2, 2023, Ken Block died at age 55 in a snowmobile accident near his ranch in Woodland, Utah. The Wasatch County sheriff's department reported that Block had been riding in the Mill Hollow area when his snowmobile upended on a steep slope and landed on top of him.

The connection between Subaru and Ken Block dates back to 2005 when the DC Shoes co-founder made his rally debut at Sno Drift Rally in an Impreza WRX STI. Block finished his first competitive rally season fourth overall and was named 2005 SCCA ProRally Rookie of the Year.

He would remain a fixture of Subaru Rally Team USA and teammate of Pastrana through 2009, racking up ten U.S. rally wins, a pair of X Games medals, and a trio of top-three finishes in the Rally America driver's championship. This period also brought Block's World Rally Championship debut in 2007, contesting Mexico and New Zealand rounds in a Group N STI.

When the tragic news of Ken Block's death was announced, Subaru said, "All of us at Subaru and Subaru Motorsports USA are heartbroken at the tragic passing of Ken Block. Ken was a spectacular Subaru driver, teammate, friend, and one of the most innovative and singular personalities ever to get behind the wheel of a rally car."

As a member of Subaru Motorsports USA, and with his long-term friendship and rivalry with Travis Pastrana, Ken helped introduce the sport of rally to a new generation of Americans and raised the profile of the U.S. rally championship worldwide.

In 2008, Ken pioneered the Gymkhana film franchise in a Subaru STI. His precision driving skill, total commitment, and flair for executing thrilling moments made him a global star.

Subaru said, "We are proud to have known and worked with Ken since 2005. We are humbled by the memories Ken made in this world. His passing leaves a void in the rally community, which will be impossible to fill, and our thoughts and condolences are with the Block family at this difficult time."

Ken Block will forever be remembered for his Number 43 WRX STI. He is now in the Subaru Motorsports hall of fame.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA