Ken Block's legacy lives on as daughter's, wife's Baja-winning Can-Am ride goes up for auction
The Can-Am Maverick-R that Lia and Lucy Block, Terry Madden, Rodrigo Ampudia, and JC Guevara all co-piloted to victory in the 50th running of the Baja 1000 last November can be yours!
The race vehicle is officially up for bid during the current Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Fla. The race vehicle will cross the auction block Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Forty Three Institute (43i) in honor of late team patriarch and extraordinary racer Ken Block.
Block House Racing’s Baja 1000 run was done in part to raise awareness of the newly founded 43i after the Can-Am Maverick-R stock race vehicle captured the checkered flag.
Team patriarch Ken Block, who was tragically killed in a snowmobile accident Jan. 2, 2023 in Woodland, Utah, was passionate about the success and creation of opportunities for those in the creative industry who did not have adequate support to follow their dreams.
Ken broke barriers in the racing, automotive, and business worlds throughout his career and knew that the world would be better if if helped others follow through the holes he blew in the walls trying to keep them in.
In this spirit, the Block House Racing team took to the Baja Desert. Ken's wife and daughter, Lucy and Lia Block, had the chance to run the race surrounded by a talented and passionate group of racers and crew that knew the weight and joy that came with the journey. I had the chance to embed with the team and the lessons I learned will carry with me through my continued journey in this crazy industry we all, for some reason, love.
Lia and Lucy Block, along with Terry Madden, Rodrigo Ampudia, and JC Guevara of Block House Racing, celebrate the team's inspiring victory two months ago in the Baja 1000. Photo courtesy Block House Racing.
The Can-Am Maverick-R was the physical and metaphorical driver for the journey to happen and some lucky collector gets to call it theirs. They have the choice to ride it around their property and encompass the spirit of fun and adventure that UTV Culture, the Can-Am Brand, and Block House Racing propels into the world.
Or, if minor modifications are made to make it street legal, the winning bidder can also use the Maverick for grocery runs and everyday life in the states that allow such vehicles free reign with the right kits. They also have the choice to attach a new number and run it in the 2024 edition of the Baja 1000 or other off-road races.
No matter what the new owner ultimately chooses to do with the vehicle, they’ll have a piece of Block Family history, one that honors the past and looks towards the future.
This vehicle passed through tech in La Paz, Mexico, just hours after Lia was announced as Williams Racing's chosen driver for the 2024 F1 Academy, the official start of her transition into open-wheel racing.
43 Institute exists to carry on Ken Block’s greatest legacy: creating paths of opportunity for the exceptionally driven who may lack the proper support system for growth and success.
Ken Block's legacy will continue to live on, especially with daughter Lia's burgeoning career ahead of her. Photo courtesy Block House Racing.
From the opportunity of building a brand, taking off in action sports, or pursuing a driving career, Ken always greatly supported those who gave 110% towards their passion.
43 Institute aims to open the door of opportunity to the network of creatives, business leaders, marketing experts, top-level athletes, and artists that Ken has built in his decades-long career; providing grants and support to make dreams happen.
Block House Racing's Can-Am not only looks badass, it also was badass, capturing the class win in November's Baja 1000. Photo courtesy Block House Racing.
The Vehicle is equipped with KMC 15-inch ks436 forged impacted 6 machined wheels, Toyo SxS Open Country 33-inch tires, Baja Designs off-road lights, PRP custom Alpha 1 race seats, Fox Suspension, and an SDG suspension tune kit.
But, that’s that’s just the technical jargon. What you need to know is it’s a badass race vehicle that meant everything to everyone during the race. For those interested in placing a bid or learning more about the auction, click here.
Also, here's a behind-the-scenes video, just released, that documents much of what went on during Lia and Lucy Block's road to victory.