Monster Energy’s Ken Block Races To Victory At Rally Colorado

Block & co-driver Alex Gelsomino move into tie for the overall series lead with the victory; Block dedicates the win to fallen rally driver Colin McRae

CORONA, Calif., (Sept. 25, 2007) –  Monster Energy’s Ken Block and co- driver Alex Gelsomino, competing in Round Eight the 2007 Rally America National Championships, pulled off the team’s second victory of the Rally America National Championship season, winning the penultimate Rally Colorado round in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Block, piloting his Subaru Impreza WRX STI, is now in 113-113 tie with Subaru teammate Travis Pastrana for the overall series championship with one round remaining – the Lake Superior Rally, Oct. 26-27, in Houghton, Mich., an event in which Block is the defending champion.

"To keep my championship hopes going, I needed to win this event and I did everything possible to do so," explained Block. "This rally really suits me; it's high-speed and requires a lot of commitment! I pushed really hard Saturday morning to build a lead and carry it to the end. Now if we win the final round, we win the championship. I won Lake Superior Rally last year so I am feeling really confident in my chances there."

The win for Block in Colorado was bittersweet in that he’d just lost his good friend, fellow rally driver Colin McRae, in a tragic helicopter accident last week. "I dedicate this win to Colin McRae," said Block after the podium ceremony. "It was an honor to call him my friend and I truly enjoyed the few times I competed with him. He is my biggest inspiration in rally and always will be."

Next up for Monster Energy’s Block and the Subaru Team is the ninth and final round of the 2007 Rally America National Championships, Oct. 26-27, in Houghton, Mich.