Yahoo Autos Revved Up! Readers React to Week's Biggest Racing News, Jan. 5 Edition
This week’s edition of REVVED UP!! Is bittersweet. On the one hand, after a holiday hiatus, we’re back and wish you all the best for a great 2023!
But sadly, on the other hand, we continue to grieve over the death of extraordinary racer, entrepreneur and all around great guy, Ken Block, who was tragically killed in a snowmobile racing accident on New Year’s Day in Utah. Ken left us and his family at the far too young age of 55.
We pay tribute to Ken with some of the top comments from readers based upon two of Autoweek’s remembrance stories on Block.
Then we try to return to some semblance of normalcy with highlights/comments on stories about NASCAR great Richard Petty, the five biggest surprises of the 2022 Formula One season and reader thoughts (which we greatly appreciate all the kind words!!!) on some of the best stories from our current ongoing “NASCAR 75” series like Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts, when NASCAR went Truckin’, and some of NASCAR’s craziest racing venues over the years.
Strap on your seatbelts and helmets as we kick things off with 2023’s first edition of REVVED UP!!
Ken Block, Car Culture Luminary, Mourned by Enthusiast World
Readers Say:
• RVA3505: Seems like only the best of us die much too soon. Ken Block inspired me for years, he was just a cool guy who loved his family. He will be truly missed.
• eskothomson: Wow. No more cool driving videos. No more cool car builds. No more cool articles on Autoweek.com about what Ken Block's doing. Perhaps we who remain--except maybe his family--can take solace in the idea that he was having fun when he left us.
• tex7757: He lived the life he dreamed to live. The world was his playground and his fortune, plus being a family man, Wow! How many can say that? It still ended way too soon. Peace to his family. Kudos and keep those wheels spinning.
• maddog8894: I'm sure that I'm just one of millions who had on his bucket list just taking a five-minute ride with him.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
• JB Says: Ken Block will be sorely missed. But thankfully, we will have many of the things he left us to remember him by, including his wild and crazy gravity-defying videos, his humorous interviews and most important, a great guy and personality, great husband, great father, great businessman and great fan favorite. In short, a GREAT man in all ways who left us way, WAY too young at 55 years old.
Richard Petty Shines in Tournament of Roses Parade
Readers Say:
• ChicagoGas: It’s hard believe The King is 85 years old. He looks fabulous. Life is sure short. It’s seems like yesterday he and his generation of NASCAR greats were drafting each other on the big ovals. Wishing Richard nothing but good health and continued success in 2023 !!!
• sabatt44: Richard Petty with the hat and dark glasses sets HIS style…He didn't follow people when racing…I doubt that at 85 years old, and still going to the track, that he will start now. To NASCAR fans he looks like "The King"!
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
• JB Says: There are individuals you meet once in your life and they will forever be a great memory etched in your brain forever. The King is one of those. He has always been the most gracious, accommodating and so generous with his time in the dozens of times I’ve interviewed him over the years. And the man has a wickedly good sense of humor on top of everything. Oh yes, one other thing: I’ve been fortunate to see him a few times (usually away from fans) without his trademark Charlie One Horse cowboy hat, another one of my favorite memories. And in case you’re wondering, he still has an almost full head of hair. I wish I could say that when—or if—I ever get to 85!
5 Biggest Surprises of 2022 F1 Season
Readers Say:
• deb9414: Love the photo of Hamilton winless; yet with that nose stud he paid $25,000 for each race he had it in.
• I am not sure it was the nose stud, I think it was ear rings that could interfere with the mandatory G-sensors around or near the ears. It's kind of silly, take them out for an hour or two while racing - and keep the $25,000 per race!
• dpa5727: It's not Hamilton's fault the writers/editors use unrelated images to get clicks. I hope 2023 they put a little more effort in their craft. At least Autoweek lets us comment. Thanks.
