DC Launches Gymkhana THREE, Part 2

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – DC and Ken Block are proud to announce the release of the newest video in the widely successful Gymkhana franchise with Gymkhana THREE, Part 2; Ultimate Playground; l'Autodrome, France. Following up Part 1; The Music Video Infomercial, this action-packed video focuses on the acclaimed raw driving style seen in the original Gymkhana Practice. DC Co-Founder/Chief Brand Officer and World Rally Championship driver, Ken Block scoured the globe to find the "Ultimate Playground," an amazing location that allowed Ken to take Gymkhana to a new, groundbreaking level in his Ford Fiesta. Check out the craziest Gymkhana video yet now live at http://www.dcshoes.com/gym3.

"The stunts I perform in Gymkhana THREE, Part 2 are without a doubt the craziest stuff I have ever attempted behind the wheel," said Ken. "We knew in order to out do the previous films, we'd really have to take it to the next level, and since you can't kickflip a car, the location needed to allow me to do things never done before in car. Sure, I've seen people drift banks, but never ones this steep, and never head on. I treated the Autodrome's 51-degree wall like a quarter pipe and it was awesome. Awesomely sketchy! Who knew you could do a wall ride in a car?"

Shot in Linas, just south of Paris, France at l'Autodrome de Linas –Montlhéry, the 1.58-mile oval track, built in 1924, features banks as steep as 51 degrees, which is more than double the standard incline of most NASCAR ovals. Chosen by Ken for this specific reason, the ramp-like banking proved to be a unique and exciting challenge. The driving physics for the stunts Ken did were completely unknown until he actually attempted them. Look for insane moves throughout the video including the ultimate trick- a 360 alley-oop performed at the top of the bank, as well as a 1440 (that’s 4, 360 degree spins!) in the rain, new multi directional Segway donuts, 360 bank spins and tire-killing donuts, to name a few.

"The originality and performance in this video is truly next level," said DC’s President, Anton Nistl. "We are so proud of the entire Gymkhana series and we’re excited to show the public the next chapter in creativity and innovation from DC and Ken Block. Recent accolades have placed DC as the most successful footwear and apparel company to ever market in the digital marketing space. Not to mention that Gymkhana TWO is also considered to be the biggest viral automotive ad of all time. These are both huge accomplishments for us."

A "star" of the video in its own right, the Gymkhana THREE 2011 Ford Fiesta was spec’d out and designed specifically for this project.  Built by Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution, the Fiesta features a heavily-modded Duratec 2.0l engine that produces a staggering 650 horses with 660 lb-ft of torque. All this power in a 2,425 lb chassis creates a super-car beating power-to-weight ratio.  Running from a stop to 60 mph in a staggering 1.9 seconds beating even the Bugatti Veyron, the car’s speed is only one part of the package. What makes Ken’s Fiesta unique is how it is intended to handle and slide on tarmac—like a rally car on gravel.

The overall design and livery featured on the Fiesta is an evolution of Ken’s current MWRT competition cars. Main features include Ken’s signature paint drip graphic as well as the personalized KB logo treatment including Ken’s signature "Block" lettering and # 43 graphic designed by famous graphic illustrator, toy designer and street culture artist, Huck Gee. Ken’s newest DC apparel, footwear and accessories, which can be seen in both parts of the Gymkhana THREE Project, were also inspired by the colors and graphics of Ken’s racing cars.
 
The DC x Ken Block Gymkhana video franchise now consists of seven videos including Gymkhana Practice, Bonus Edit, TWO, 2.1; the educational anniversary video, Hot For Words, and now the two part Gymkhana THREE Project. A viral internet sensation, these videos have had more than 70 million views online and received numerous awards. Most recently the Gymkhana TWO video was named one of Ad Age’s "Top 10 Viral Ads of All Time", a huge honor for DC and Ken; won a 2010 People’s Telly Silver Award, presented by YouTube; earned a Bronze Pencil at the One Show Entertainment Awards in the "Online Branded Entertainment" category, and was #4 on Ad Age’s list of top viral videos of 2009.

For more information on the Gymkhana THREE Project including behind the scenes photos and info on Gym3: Part 1 and Gym3: Part 2 visit http://www.dcshoes.com/gym3.

About DC:
Founded by Ken Block and Damon Way in 1993, DC quickly grew to a leader in performance skateboarding shoes and renowned action sports brand. Today DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men’s, women’s and kids’ skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear, and accessories.
 
As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a world-class team of professional skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross and rally athletes that exemplify and enhance DC’s brand, develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts. DC is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.
 
About Ken Block:
Ken Block’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control became quickly apparent and Block aptly nabbed Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in the series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X Games medals. In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a driving force in shedding light on the sport within the United States. Block co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand. His keen branding and marketing acumen not only elevated DC to their current eminent status, but has allowed Block to achieve global fame as a national rally driver through his wildly successful viral video campaigns. Ad Age named his "Gymkhana TWO" the No. 4 Viral Video of 2009. In January 2010, Block signed with Ford Motor Company to campaign both the Rally America series and the World Rally Championship, being the first American to do so.
 
About DC x KB Gymkhana Videos:
The Gymkhana franchise launched in November 2008 with the release of the Gymkhana Practice video and to-date the series consists of seven videos including, Gymkhana Practice, Bonus Edit, TWO, 2.1, the educational anniversary video, Hot For Words, and now the two part Gymkhana THREE Project – Gymkhana THREE, Part 1; The Music Video Infomercial and Gymkhana THREE, Part 2; Ultimate Playground; l'Autodrome, France. Together the videos have been viewed more thank 70 million times virally and have received numerous awards.

Gymkhana Practice - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-jAImScms
Gymkhana Bonus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60CaKqE4Bo
Gymkhana "Hot For Words" – http://www.youtube.com/user/DCshoesFILM#p/search/0/nC6eHZ1qeys
Gymkhana Two The Infomercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ7R_buZPSo 
Gymkhana 2.1, Block vs. Dyrdek - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ48NQjouoE  
Gymkhana THREE, Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/user/DCshoesFILM#p/u/5/EYUSlnXcYeU
Gymkhana THREE, Part 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TshFWSsrn8