The legacy of the late Ken Block was vividly honored on October 11, 2025, during the Willow Springs Reimagined event at the historic Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. One of the most poignant moments occurred when Lia Block, Ken’s 19-year-old daughter, took the wheel of her father’s iconic Hoonitruck. This marked the first public drive of the vehicle since Ken’s passing in 2023.
Originally built by Ken Block, Hoonigan, and Detroit Speed over two years, the Hoonitruck is a reimagined 1977 Ford F-150. It boasts an impressive 914 horsepower and is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine from Ford’s GT Le Mans program. The truck features all-wheel drive, a custom sequential gearbox, and hand-formed aluminum bodywork. It debuted in Gymkhana TEN and later gained fame by conquering China’s Tianmen Mountain in Climbkhana TWO, accumulating over 75 million views globally.
A Tribute to a Creative Spirit
The Hoonitruck’s return to the track was facilitated by its current owner, Milton Verret, an entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, recognized as Philanthropist of the Year in 2016. A long-time admirer of Ken Block’s creativity, Verret purchased the Hoonitruck with the goal of preserving its legacy and involving the Block family as well as motorsport enthusiasts.
“It’s an honor to see this truck back where it belongs—on track, with Lia behind the wheel,” said Verret. “Ken’s creativity and passion inspired millions, and this moment is a celebration of that enduring legacy,”
Lia Block has emerged as a notable talent in motorsport, following in her father’s footsteps. She began her drifting journey at the age of 14 and made history by winning the 2023 American Rally Association O2WD Championship at just 17 years old. In addition to being a Baja 1000 champion, she has competed in Extreme E and Nitrocross and is currently part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, which participates in the F1 Academy. Her recent accomplishments include a standout victory in Singapore and a second-place finish at Zandvoort. In 2025, she returned to rallying with a victory in the L4WD class at the Boone Forest Rally.
Continuing a Legacy
“This means a lot to me and my family,” Lia Block stated. “Being able to drive the Hoonitruck means much more than just upholding a legacy. I have no doubt that my father would want to keep the spirit of this car alive for all that it stands for in the motorsport community.”
The Willow Springs Reimagined event was not just a tribute to Ken Block, but also a celebration of the track’s new era under its current ownership, highlighting innovation, heritage, and the individuals who push the boundaries of speed and storytelling in motorsport.
