Riley Herbst and SHR pay tribute to Ken Block with his iconic Gymkhana 3 throwback scheme

NASCAR Xfinity driver Riley Herbst is paying tribute to the late rallycross driver Ken Block, by running his paint scheme at the Throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway. While most drivers honor NASCAR legends, Herbst has decided to honor the driver who inspired him as a child.

Riley Herbst's #98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang will feature the iconic colors of the Gymkhana 3 “Drip” car made famous by Ken Block. The complete matte black paint on the Monster Energy Ford is replaced by a burst of white. This gives the effect of paint dripping down the car. Splashes of orange and green are also featured on the car emulating Block's world-famous livery.

The design for Herbst's Xfinity ride was created by Marcus Jurdensen, the original creator of the Gymkhana 3 “Drip” paint scheme.

Ken Block, a rallycross driver, and a stuntman, died on January 2, 2023, after sustaining injuries in a snowmobile accident. The 55-year-old was popular for his Gymkhana YouTube videos, in which he performed jaw-dropping stunts.

Honoring the legendary rallycross driver, Herbst, and SHR will be releasing a line of merchandise with similar colors. All proceedings from the sale of the 'Drip' hat and the t-shirts will go to the 43 Institute Ken Block Foundation. The organization supports creative individuals who lack the resources and support.

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Riley Herbst reveals how Ken Block had a huge impact on his childhood

Ken Block in the FIA World Rallycross Championship - Barcelona

Riley Herbst is excited to run the paint scheme that his childhood hero sported. He admitted that he was a big fan of the 'Drip livery' and that it was an honor to run it at the Throwback weekend.

The 24-year-old Xfinity driver said:

"I was a big fan of Ken Block’s infamous Monster Energy ‘Drip’ livery growing up. It’s such an honor to bring it back and run it at Darlington. I’m so appreciative of the Block family for letting me run this tribute. I chose this paint scheme specifically because I was such a huge Ken Block fan growing up. Back then, I wanted to be a rally-car driver just like him and be a part of the Hoonigan nation."

He added:

"Ken was such an inspiration to motorsports. It’s humbling to know that I’m able to have the same backing from Monster Energy that he had. Ken meant everything to people and to the fans. He was such a key to the innovation of racing and the innovation of the marketing of racing..."

Carrying the colors of the late Ken Block, Riley Herbst will debut the paint scheme on Saturday (May 13) in the Shriners Children's 200 at Darlington Raceway.