Reports are emerging that gymkhana phenomenon Ken Block and Australian rally driver Chris Atkinson are set to join a new Ford WRC team backed by Monster Energy drinks. This could explain why the two guys were recently filmed behind the wheel of an old skool Escort.
The deal is expected to be finalised before Christmas and should be a three-year agreement. Block’s high profile would be a welcome introduction for the WRC and should help the category establish itself in North America, where it is currently barely heard of.
WRC promoter Simon Long was quoted by Autosport as saying, “Ken Block is an iconic figure in US motorsport and a major box office personality. It wouldn’t get much better than this for the WRC going into North America.”
Indeed, and not a bad return to WRC for Atkinson, either, who has had limited exposure to the sport since the demise of the Subaru World Rally Team.
Should the deal come to fruition Block and Atkinson would most likely compete in around half of the events scheduled for 2010, possibly in 2009-spec WRC Focus machines, before launching an all out assault on the 2011 season.
[Source: Autosport via autoblog | Pic: Ken Block Racing]
7 replies on “Block and Atkinson to form Monster WRC duo”
That is really good news for WRC. It kinda needs a shot in the arm after some withdrawals. And will be good to see Chris back in the drivers seat, he was very competitive before subaru changed cars in 2008. He scored 3 podiums in a row at one point.
I agree FL00DY. The only shame of it is that it will be another Ford team. That in itself is not so bad, but it would be great to see a new manufacturer in the sport.
With the major regs changes due in 2011, the WRC will be treading water again next year. 2011 should be very interesting though, both WTCC and WRC will be running similar engine specs so you would have to think that both series would open up for a bunch of new makes.
So how good is this Ken Block? I mean as a showman he is second to none, but this is racing…
a non factory backed subaru team surely would have a place, and he would be well suitable with atkinson as a co-pilot?
Its a PR master piece… Take WRC to the US!! Make lots of $$$!!
[…] Great news for Australia’s Chris Atkinson, with word via Speedcafe confirming he will be joining Ken Block‘s Monster World Rally Team at next month’s Rally Mexico. At this stage it’ll be a one-off drive for Chris and we’re reminded there were hopes of a Block-Atkinson two-car team back in 2009. […]