Is there anything that Ken Block can’t do? As one of the co-founders of the DC Shoe empire, block gets to see his footwear on the feet of literally millions of fans. And as the champion of the newly-invented Gymkhana brand of motorsport, Ken Block has literally drifted his way into history, gaining huge corporate sponsorships and legions of even more fans loyal to him and his sponsors.
Now Block can add another feather to his overcrowded cap, with Motor Authority reporting that perennial video game franchise Need For Speed is signing him on as a “Racing Adviser” in return for their sponsorship of Gymkhana Six. It’s win-win-win for Block, Need For Speed, and of course the fans.
It’s hard to believe but the Need For Speed franchise reaches all the way back to 1994, which means next year’s big-budget movie starring Aaron Paul celebrates 20 years of video-game racing for the franchise. Need For Speed has definitely taken a more realistic approach in recent years to its games, rather than the arcadey-feel the games took in in the late 90s and early 2000s.
For his role, Block will advise the Need For Speed team on things like racing car design and handling, as well as using him to boost interest in the upcoming game and movie. Don’t be surprised if Block’s Fiesta rally car makes an appearance in the next game too. Meanwhile, Gymkhana Six is set to land on YouTube on November 11th, adding to the 250-million views the first five films have already racked up.
Need For Speed and Ken Block, a match made in motoring heaven.