Houston – October 31, 2017. Ken Block and Pennzoil launched the 2017 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a mic-drop moment – the unveil of the first vehicle for the milestone Gymkhana TEN video. This, paired with an explosive teaser for the full film, has set the tone for the remainder of the show. At the Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live Stage, Jeff Allen of Flat 12 Gallery and “Car Chasers” interviewed the legendary Block on his new relationship with Pennzoil, how he chose the vehicle and the development of the 10th video in his Gymkhana franchise.
During the press conference, Ken Block unveiled his new-to-him 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A Rally Car to be featured in Gymkhana TEN. The rally car is built off a larger Ford Sierra chassis with Escort body panels, making the formerly front-wheel-drive Escort into all-wheel-drive. It sports a 2.0-liter 2000cc turbocharged engine that generates between 350-400bhp connected to a seven-speed gearbox.
“I’m humbled that I’ve been in this industry for so many years and the fans just keep coming back for more. For this next chapter of Gymkhana, I wanted to go above and beyond what we’ve done in the past. I know I say it every time, but this one really will be our biggest and best video yet,” explained Block. “Through my partnership with Pennzoil, we were able to take Gymkhana to a place we haven’t been, with a car we haven’t used. I’ve had a passion for the Cosworth for years because of its rally roots, and I think the fans are going to be stoked when they see the full film.”
In addition to the Cosworth, Block held a special screening of the first trailer for Gymkhana TEN for all his fans at the SEMA Show. The teaser offers a glimpse into what’s on the horizon for the most ambitious, most amazing Gymkhana video yet. Fans can watch the teaser on repeat until the fall of 2018 when the full film will debut.
“As a new partner, we’re so excited that Ken decided to bring Pennzoil on the journey of developing this milestone video. With each new installment, Ken has proven that he’s a pioneer in our industry, which made this moment at our Shell “Pioneering Performance” pavilion so special,” said Colin Abraham, President, Shell Lubricants Americas. “With more than 500,000,000 combined views (and counting) on his award-winningGymkhana franchise, we’re certain Gymkhana TEN will be his best yet.”
Earlier in 2017, Pennzoil teamed up with Ken Block and Hoonigan Racing Division as the official motor oil for Block and the team. Block made the switch to Pennzoil to protect his vehicles as they pound the pavement, whether he’s hooning in a Gymkhana video or competing in stage rallies. Pennzoil motor oils are technologically advanced products formulated to withstand extreme circumstances. Most recently, Pennzoil and Block teamed up to take his Gymkhana-style video off-road with the debut of Terrakhana. The dirt covered video featured Block freestyling his way through the desert terrain of Swing Arm City, Utah, in his custom-built Ford Fiesta RX43.
Known for non-traditional driving, Block sought out a non-traditional motor oil that would bring out unrivaled performance from his engines. In testing with Pennzoil for Climbkhana, Block felt the difference of next level performance. Pennzoil upholds a strong history, even under the most demanding conditions, of protecting engines and keeping them running clean.
Follow all the action and updates on social media via #ShellatSEMA and check out www.shell.us/sema for a full schedule of events at the Shell “Pioneering Performance” experience and Live Stage.
About Pennzoil®
At Pennzoil, we’re car people. We love cars and the role they play in our lives. That’s why we tirelessly strive to produce the most technologically advanced, highest performing motor oils on the market. Pennzoil has made the switch to natural gas technology to make purer synthetic motor oils that lead to better performance than motor oils made from crude oil. Every bottle of Pennzoil Platinum®, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ and Pennzoil Platinum® High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil is formulated with PurePlus® Technology. PurePlus® Technology is the revolutionary process, which converts natural gas into high quality full synthetic base oil, with fewer impurities than traditional base oils made from crude oil. Feel the difference of next level performance. Make the switch.
Pennzoil® is the most trusted motor oil brand in America.* The full line of Pennzoil® quality products includes Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Euro Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about the full line of Pennzoil® lubricating products, motor oils and filters, please visit www.pennzoil.com. Not just oil. Pennzoil®.
* Based on a survey of private motorists, between the ages of 18-64, who own or lease a car in the US, between January 2016 and December 2016.
Ken Block’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control became quickly apparent and Block aptly nabbed Rookie of the Year that season in the Rally America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in the series, racking up numerous overall wins as well as plenty of podium appearances. He’s also accumulated five X Games medals since the start of his career, including most recently taking silver at Global X Games Barcelona RallyCross in 2013.
In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a driving force in shedding light on the sport of rally within the United States. His keen branding and marketing acumen, combined with his talents and skills behind the wheel, has also allowed Block to achieve global fame as a rally driver through his wildly successful viral Gymkhana series of videos. With all nine of his Gymkhana videos (plus all associated edits) clocking in at over 500 million views on the franchise in total, they have helped put Block in front of eyeballs around the world. The franchise has also racked up several awards, including making the top 10 viral video charts by Ad Age, as well as the One Show Interactive Gold Pencil Award in the category of Online Films & Video/Long Form – Single, for excellence in an advertising campaign.
In January 2010, Block formed the Monster World Rally Team and signed with Ford to pursue his dreams of racing in the World Rally Championship and in doing so, became one of only four Americans to ever score points in the WRC (more Americans have actually landed on the moon than scored points in the WRC). Additionally, his signing with Ford included campaigning domestically in racing (Global RallyCross Championship, X Games and Rally America), as well as continuing with his Gymkhana driving. In 2012, Block re-named his team Hoonigan Racing Division, with the goal to further push the boundaries of motorsports marketing. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, Block dedicated himself to competing in the Global Rallycross Championship, finishing second overall in 2015. 2016 saw Block move to racing full-time in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. He will contest the full 2017 Championship calendar this year, as well as compete at the Gymkhana GRID final this fall and create multiple video projects as well.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $41.2 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, orwww.performanceracing.com.
