The death of Ken Block, the famous professional racing driver, in January 2023 created shock waves in the automobile industry. This icon, recognized among other things for his Gymkhanas and his driving prowess, left a rich legacy. Fortunately, this legacy seems to be taken up by his daughter, Lia Block who, at the age of 17, will participate in a rally event of the American Rally Association (ARA). The latter is not her first rodeo with the discipline, but this time, she will drive an old car of her father, a Ford Escort Cosworth Cossi V2 specially modified for the occasion.
A first race in the 4WD category
Lia Block will take the wheel accompanied by her co-pilot Rhianon Gelsomino. The latter is also the wife of Alex Gelsomino, Ken Block’s former co-pilot. The female duo will take their place aboard a Ford Escort Cosworth, nicknamed Cossie V2. This rally car was Ken Block’s weapon of choice for the stage discipline in 2019 and for various races around the globe. The Cossie V2 is equipped with a complete aerodynamic package with 4.3-inch widened box sides, a huge spoiler and an aggressive diffuser. The car is equipped with a Ford YB engine developing 371 horsepower and a Sadev 6-speed sequential transmission that routes power to all 4 vehicle wheels.
Speaking of this technical data, this weekend’s competition will be Lia Block’s first event in the 4WD (4 wheels drive) category. This category is the most intense in the American Rally Association, but the young driver seems very happy to participate in it. She also made a video on social networks to announce the news.
Lia and Rhianon will seek glory at the Lake Superior Performance Rally in Michigan. Known for its stunning fall colors and fast stages with big jumps, the event is also the closing event of the 2023 ARA season.
A team already champion this season
Lia Block is not at her first adventures with car racing. Now aged 17, the young pilot won an ARA national championship in 2023. Aged 16 at the time of victory, Lia became the youngest person to win a discipline in the history of the American Rally Association.
It was behind the wheel of a Subaru BRZ that she and Rhianon Gelsomino dominated last season in the 2WD (2 wheels Drive) category. The duo won almost every race they entered with four first places in five events. They are currently in fourth place in the general ARA rankings.
The upcoming race will be an important step for Lia Block’s future racing career. Interestingly, she and Rhianon won’t be the only Block/Gelsomino combo on the track. Her mother, Lucy, is racing in the L4WD group with Rhianon’s husband (and former Ken Block co-driver) Alex Gelsomino, driving a 2021 Ford Fiesta Rally3. The event, likely to be charged with emotion and prowess , will be held this weekend in the United States.
