Pennzoil® Synthetic Motor Oil Powers Extreme Performance Driver Ken Block

HOUSTON, March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennzoil has teamed up with Ken Block and Hoonigan Racing Division as the official motor oil for Block and the team. Block made the switch in 2017 to protect his vehicles as they pound the pavement, whether he's hooning in a Gymkhana video or competing in his #43 Ford Focus RS RX rallycross car.   

"The relationship with Ken Block and Hoonigan Racing Division is the next step for Pennzoil in our pursuit to provide consumers edge-of-their-seat automotive entertainment," said Doug Kooyman, Pennzoil Global Brand Director. "Ken is a pioneer in our industry and is redefining automotive exhilaration. We are confident that what's to come will have your adrenaline pumping."

On top of being a viral video superstar, Ken Block is a dedicated rally and rallycross athlete, currently competing full-time in the World Rallycross Championship. Heading into the 2017 race season, Pennzoil Platinum^® Racing 10W-60 Full Synthetic motor oil will be coursing through the engines of both Hoonigan Racing Division athletes' vehicles; Block's #43 Ford Focus RSRX and teammate Andreas Bakkerud's #13 Ford Focus RS. 

Off the track, Pennzoil will power the engine of Ken Block's 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2 to help withstand the stress of all of his sideways endeavors, including Climbkhana, his upcoming film that documents Block taking his smoky, sideways, signature driving style up historic Pikes Peak in Colorado.

"I decided to make the switch to Pennzoil after we experienced engine problems running at Pikes Peak during filming for my next video project, Climbkhana, last year," said Block. "The mountain's high elevation is notorious for giving high-stress motors engine problems and we unfortunately suffered mechanical issues with our setup under load at the higher altitudes - all related to the engine oil. But, we're determined to go back and finish filming the project this year and my team is confident that with the help of Pennzoil and their motor oil products and technical know-how, that the Hoonicorn will run perfectly when we return this summer."

Known for non-traditional driving, Block sought out a non-traditional motor oil that would bring out unrivaled performance from his engines. In testing with Pennzoil for Climbkhana, Block felt the difference of next level performance. Pennzoil motor oils are technologically advanced products formulated to withstand extreme circumstances.  Pennzoil upholds a strong history, even under the most demanding conditions, of protecting engines and keeping them running clean.

"Joining forces with Ken and Hoonigan Racing Division marks the start of another relationship that embraces mutual goals of pushing performance in extreme engines. Together, we'll unleash next level performance and push horsepower to the limits," continued Kooyman.

To stay up-to-date on the latest activities, be sure to 'Like' the official Pennzoil Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Pennzoil) and follow Pennzoil on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Pennzoil) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/Pennzoil).  

About Pennzoil^®
At Pennzoil, we're car people. We love cars and the role they play in our lives. That's why we tirelessly strive to produce the most technologically advanced, highest performing motor oils on the market. At Pennzoil, motor oil is our passion, but cars are our way of life.  Pennzoil motor oils are technologically advanced products formulated to withstand extreme conditions and help keep engines running clean.

Pennzoil^® is the most trusted motor oil brand in America.* The full line of Pennzoil^® quality products includes Pennzoil Platinum^® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum^® High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum^® Euro Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ motor oil, Pennzoil^® High Mileage Vehicle^® motor oil, Pennzoil^® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine^® engine oil. For more information about the full line of Pennzoil^® lubricating products, motor oils and filters, please visit www.pennzoil.com. Not just oil. Pennzoil^®.

* Based on a survey of private motorists, between the ages of 18-64, who own or lease a car in the US, between January 2016 and December 2016.

About Shell Lubricants
The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying more than 12 percent of global lubricants volume.* The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®. http://www.shell.com

*Kline & Company, "Global Lubricants Industry November 2016: Market Analysis and Assessment.

About Ken Block
Ken Blockʼs rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control became quickly apparent and Block aptly nabbed Rookie of the Year that season in the Rally America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in the series, racking up numerous overall wins as well as plenty of podium appearances. He's also accumulated five X Games medals since the start of his career, including most recently taking silver at Global X Games Barcelona RallyCross in 2013. In addition to his performance in the car, Block has been a driving force in shedding light on the sport of rally within the United States. His keen branding and marketing acumen, combined with his talents and skills behind the wheel, has also allowed Block to achieve global fame as a rally driver through his wildly successful viral Gymkhana series of videos. With all six of his Gymkhana videos (plus all associated edits) clocking in at over 250 million views on the franchise in total, they have helped put Block in front of eyeballs around the world. The franchise has also racked up several awards, including making the top 10 viral video charts by Ad Age, as well as the One Show Interactive Gold Pencil Award in the category of Online Films & Video/Long Form – Single, for excellence in an advertising campaign. In January 2010, Block formed the Monster World Rally Team and signed with Ford to pursue his dreams of racing in the World Rally Championship and in doing so, became one of only four Americans to ever score points in the WRC (more Americans have actually landed on the moon than scored points in the WRC). Additionally, his signing with Ford included campaigning domestically in racing (Global RallyCross Championship, X Games and Rally America), as well as continuing with his Gymkhana driving. In 2012, Block re-named his team Hoonigan Racing Division, with the goal to further push the boundaries of motorsports marketing. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, Block dedicated himself to competing in the Global Rallycross Championship, finishing second overall in 2015. 2016 saw Block move to racing full-time in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. He will contest the full 2017 Championship calendar this year, as well as compete at the Gymkhana GRID final this fall and create multiple video projects as well.

About Hoonigan Racing Division
Created and assembled by Ken Block, the object of the Hoonigan Racing Division is to continue to redefine the race-team archetype. The two-car team is helmed by Block himself and features Andreas Bakkerud as a second driver, both of whom are racing the Ford Focus RS RX rallycross car in FIA World RX. The team is driven not only to win, but to also market motorsports through innovative, creative and interactive ways. The team is supported by Monster Energy, Ford Motor Company, Hoonigan, Toyo Tires, Pennzoil, Can-Am, Sonax, GoPro, ST Suspensions, HPI Racing, fifteen52 and Alpinestars.

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SOURCE Shell Oil Company