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Race car driver and stunt driver Ken Block

Stunt driver Ken Block drives around a Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. After founding DC shoes and becoming a multimillionaire, Ken Block became a stunt driver. In one YouTube video, Block can be seen speeding down an empty Oakland Bay Bridge, ripping a set of tire-smoking doughnuts between two trolley cars, and seemingly breaking the laws of physics by twisting the car in mid-flight on a 90-degree turn after jumping a hill. Within 24 hours, the video was viewed more than 5 million times.

Stunt driver Ken Block drives around a Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. After founding DC shoes and becoming a multimillionaire, Ken Block became a stunt driver. In one YouTube video, Block can be seen speeding down an empty Oakland Bay Bridge, ripping a set of tire-smoking doughnuts between two trolley cars, and seemingly breaking the laws of physics by twisting the car in mid-flight on a 90-degree turn after jumping a hill. Within 24 hours, the video was viewed more than 5 million times.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Ken Block’s driving talents have turned him into a motor star for a new generation, unlike NASCAR drivers who appeal to different, if not older, crowd.

Stunt driver Ken Block

Stunt driver Ken Block at a Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. An athletic 45-year-old adrenaline junkie, Block has parlayed his doughnut-carving skills into a lucrative business. His YouTube videos have become Internet sensations, drawing advertisers such as Ford and energy drink company Monster.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Stunt driver Ken Block

Stunt driver Ken Block, right, talks to a staff member after a stunt drive around a Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. Block learned his driving skills sliding around the tarmac at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Ken Block

Stunt driver Ken Block puts on DC shoes before going for a spin drives around a Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. In 2004 he sold DC to Quiksilver Inc. for $87 million.   (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

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