Hoonigan Industries released an online petition today on Change.org proposing that 4/3 (April 3) become a national holiday to honor the great Ken Block who died tragically at age 55 last January in a snowmobile accident. The number 43 was used by Block on all of his cars, ranging from modified examples of the Ford Fiesta, Mustang, and Audi S1.
"We are writing to you today to advocate for a special cause that is near and dear to the hearts of many Ken Block fans around the world," the proposal states. "As you may know, April 3rd is a very important day for Ken Block, a professional rally driver and co-founder of DC Shoes and Hoonigan Industries. By designating April 3rd as '4 3 Day,' we can recognize and honor Ken Block's legacy in a meaningful and lasting way."
As of this writing, the petition has already garnered a little over 6,000 signatures. Block's number has already been retired by the FIA from the World Rally Championship (WRC) for 2023. He also used the number in several other racing events, such as the Americas Rallycross Championship, the FIA European Rallycross Championship, and the FIA World Rallycross Championship. FIA has not confirmed whether the number's retirement is only for this season.
What exactly would a '43 Day' involve? The petition did not specifically say but we could see the day becoming a celebration for racing, drifting, and stunt driving in the spirit of Block with numerous events held throughout the country. This sadly wouldn't become a day off work but it is a very appropriate way to pay tribute to the man who brought so much motorsport and style. Remember, Block was also the founder of DC Shoes and the star of the Gymkhana series.
Hoonigan Industries is also asking for fans from all over the world to sign the petition but it wasn't clear whether this would be limited to becoming just a US holiday or something celebrated globally. Ideally, we'd love to see the latter happen. In the months following his death, Block's teenage daughter has become more active in motorsport, most recently when she raced a modified rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ at an American Rally Association event last month.
Hoonigan Industries is also adjusting to life without its founder at the helm with several events already lined up for this year. A national holiday celebrating the man feels like the next logical step and signing the petition will hopefully make that possible.