James May reflects on ‘one of Top Gear’s best segments’ after Ken Block’s death

Former Top Gear presenter James May has paid tribute to motorsport legend Ken Block after his tragic death.

Ex-rally driver Block, who featured on the BBC show, was killed in a snowmobile accident in Utah on Monday with Top Gear issuing a statement and sending their condolences to his friends and family.

He was known for his daring racing stunts and Gymkhana video series, with clothing company Hoonigan Industries referring to Block as a 'visionary, pioneer and an icon'.

Back in 2009, Block appeared on Top Gear alongside May in California as he turned an airfield into a playground, whizzing his Subaru around a series of parked aeroplanes.

READ MORE: Ken Block's heartbreaking post about daughter hours before snowmobile accident

May shared a legendary clip from the episode, alongside the caption: "RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out." One Twitter user replied, telling May it was 'one of the best segments' during his years in the show.

In the footage, May welcomes Block to the airfield, calling him a "game character that has emerged into the real world", as the rally driver performs a series of drifts behind him.

"By day, Ken is a rally driver but what is special about him is the way he sharpens his skills. Most rallyists practice in the forests of Wales or Finland but Ken prefers airports," May continues.

As the pair discuss the proposed dangerous mission, Block claims: "It looks like a playground to me. There aren't many areas where you have a great mix of dirt, tarmac and open areas." He also dismisses May's concerns over the parked planes, referring to them as 'nice obstacles'.

After devising a secret course, Block is joined by a fearful May in the front seat as the Subaru races down the run way, careering in between planes and through hangers and narrow door ways.

After making their way off the tarmac, the pair are then joined by legendary dirtbiker Ricky Carmichael, who "comes out to play" with a series of stunts of his own.

The two vehicles then race against each other before an epic TV moment as both car and bike soar through the air over a motorcross jump, as a nearby plane flies narrowly above them in the opposite direction.

"We are alive! That was incredible," May exclaims as the car lands back on the ground, filled with dust.

Block also appeared on the BBC show alongside F1 legend Lewis Hamilton as the pair raced their respective cars at the Top Gear Festival in Barbados.

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