Now that the 2017 World RX season and Gymkhana GRID are complete, Hoonigan Racing and Ken Block say goodbye to their teammate for the past two seasons, Andreas Bakkerud. The split comes after the joint decision by both Ford Performance and Block to discontinue racing the Focus RS RX full-time in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
Both Block and the entire Hoonigan Racing Division team wish to say a BIG “thank you” to Bakkerud (aka Snakkerud) for an incredible two years of racing, friendship and laughs, as well as to wish him the best of luck as he continues on racing in World RX for 2018 and beyond.
"It's been an absolute pleasure to have Andreas as my teammate these last two seasons," said Block. "We wouldn't have had as successful of a program as we did without his help and I'll be forever grateful for that. Myself and my entire team all want to see him continue on and hopefully win a championship title soon, so from all of us, good luck, Andreas, and thank you for an amazing two years!”
Bakkerud was key in helping Ford Performance and Hoonigan Racing develop the Ford Focus RS RX racecar. Although 2016 was just a development year for the chassis, Andreas was able to win three World RX races, placed the car on six podiums, and finished the season 3rd overall. Massive accomplishments for a car that was still under development at the time. For 2017, Bakkerud was able to land four podiums and finish 6th overall.
Check out Andreas’ final Bakkerud Life episode with the team from Gymkhana GRID here: