Ken Block thrills Gymkhana fans in Austria

Ford action-motorsports star Ken Block says he was thrilled after more than 25,000 fans attended the first stop of his Gymkhana World Tour in Vienna, Austria, on July 17. The American Internet sensation--his Gymkhana series represents some of the most-viewed videos on YouTube--is combining his World Rally Championship campaign with his three-event tour, which will also make stops in Los Angeles and in Melbourne, Australia.

"Ever since we filmed the first Gymkhana video, I have wanted to be able to bring this type of action to a place where people can watch it live, and Gymkhana World Tour does exactly that," Block said. "I'm super stoked on the staggering turnout we had in Austria. It was just amazing to have such an enormous crowd be able to witness the 'hooning' so close, and to see everyone enjoy it so much."

Driving a purpose-built Ford Fiesta, Block performed several of his famous driving stunts, including a synchronized display with two freestyle motocross riders, Blake "Bilko" Williams and Adam Jones.

Block's Gymkhana World Tour continues in Los Angles on July 23. Before the final event in Melbourne on Aug. 27, Block will return to WRC action in his Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland on Aug. 18-21. He is also scheduled to contest the rally event at ESPN's X Games 17 in Los Angles on July 30-31.

By Anthony Peacock