Sept 8th, 2014, Loheác, France: For his second-ever World Rallycross appearance, HRD’s Ken Block headed to the town of Loheác, France, for the championship’s biggest event. With more than 70,000 fans in attendance, it marks one of the biggest-ever crowds that Block has driven in front of.
Saturday’s Day 1 practice and heats saw Block demonstrate excellent form, setting the fastest lap time in practice, as well as winning both of his heats. Unfortunately, due to a slight bit of confusion during heat 1, Block mistakingly did not take the joker, earning himself a 30 second penalty. Despite the setback though, Block’s heat win and overall time from heat 2 allowed him to head into Sunday’s heats 13th overall, just one place away from making it into the semi-final top 12. With two decent heats on Sunday morning, Block found himself in a highly competitive afternoon semi-final, where he finished 3rd and landed a space in the final.
For the final, Block drove well, despite having to start from the back of the grid, working his way to 4th overall. In addition to finishing 4th, Block also set the single-fastest lap of the weekend in the final, a 0:36.9.
“This was definitely a tough event for me,” said Block. “I drove really well on both days, despite a few hiccups. The competition here was very tough, but I had a great time here in France this weekend. The sheer size of the crowd was wild and the French fans are very passionate about their motorsports, so that was great to experience. I really wanted to get another podium finish here in World Rallycross, but I’m still pleased with 4th overall on the weekend.”
Block’s next competitive event is in Los Angeles, CA, for the Global Rallycross doubleheader weekend, September 20th and 21st.
