Hoonigan Racing Division’s Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino have now won for the 7th time at Rally America’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.
Being HRD’s first competitive event of the 2014, the stage rally duo came out fully prepared and ready to do battle at the second round of the Rally America championship. And, two days of practice in Missouri leading into the event paid off, as Block and Gelsomino dominated from the start during Friday’s Day 1 stages, winning five of eight stages that day, which set themselves up for Saturday’s Day 2 stages with a 20.6 second lead.
Day 2 saw the pair take to the stages ready to fight and build upon their lead. However, their top competitor, David Higgins, blew his motor on that same stage, retiring from the rally and leaving Block and Gelsomino to back off on their attack and win the rally essentially uncontested.
“We had an great event,” said Block. “From the start, our Ford Fiesta HFHV felt great and ran strong. We had the setup dialed in from testing and our notes were clean. I’m bummed that David [Higgins] had to retire due to engine problems, because I was enjoying the battle with him. Still though, it feels awesome to come back here and win for the 7th time in my career, I can’t wait to come back and try to win for the 8th time next year!”
Block’s win this weekend marks his seventh win in eight starts at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, making him the most winning driver at the event in Rally America history. Block’s next competitive event will take place at GRC Barbados, taking place the weekend of May 17th. In the meantime, be sure to follow along with his day-to-day activities and training on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.