Lia Block has made a significant commitment to her motorsport future, announcing that she will compete in the full 2026 American Rally Association calendar behind the wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally2. This move marks a major shift for Block, who previously enjoyed a stint at F1 Academy and racing Formula 4 with support from Williams Racing. The entry of Hyundai into the ARA season is also notable, as it adds another factory manufacturer to the grid, further growing OEM support for stateside rally. With this new partnership, Block will be joined by co-driver Alex Gelsomino, who was a long-time co-driver for her father, rally legend Ken Block. The combination of Block's driving skills and Gelsomino's experience makes them a formidable team to watch in the 2026 ARA season.
The Hyundai i20 N Rally2 is a highly capable car that has already shown its potential at events such as Sno*Drift. With Block at the wheel, it's likely that we'll see some impressive performances from this new partnership. The addition of Hyundai to the ARA grid also brings increased competition and accessibility to the sport, which can only be beneficial for fans and drivers alike. As Block herself noted, 'it really makes up my mind about what I want to do in the future, and that is rally,' it's clear that she's fully committed to this new path.
Block's focus on rally isn't anything new, but this announcement cements her status as a rising star in the sport. Previously, Block enjoyed a two-year stint at F1 Academy, racing Formula 4 from 2024 to 2025 with support from Williams Racing. However, after taking the Open 2-Wheel-Drive crown in the 2023 American Rally Association series behind the wheel of a Subaru BRZ, Block is hot on the rally trail once again. With her sights set on the WRC, Block will be competing against some of the best drivers in the world, and it's clear that she's determined to make a name for herself.
The entry of Hyundai into the 2026 ARA season comes at a peculiar time, as Subaru Motorsport and Vermont Sports Car are not running an Open 4WD car this year. This change has opened up opportunities for other drivers to compete at the top level, and Block is well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. With her experience in Formula 4 and her recent success in the ARA series, Block has the skills and knowledge to compete with the best. As she noted, 'it's going to be a competitive year, especially with Toyota and Subaru at the top,' but Block is confident that she can hold her own.
The Hyundai i20 N Rally2 is a highly capable car that will undoubtedly play a key role in Block's bid for the ARA championship. With its advanced technology and performance capabilities, this car has the potential to be a game-changer in the sport. As Block herself noted, 'the RC2 class looks like it is going to be the top class this year, which is amazing, and I think we need that accessibility for everyone to come in and compete,' it's clear that she sees the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 as a key part of her strategy.
Lia Block's focus on rally isn't anything new, but this announcement cements her status as a rising star in the sport. With her sights set on the WRC, Block will be competing against some of the best drivers in the world. As she noted, 'I want to go to the top,' it's clear that she's determined to make a name for herself in the rally world. With her experience and skills, Block has the potential to be a major player in the sport.
The addition of Hyundai to the ARA grid is a significant step forward for rally enthusiasts, offering increased competition and accessibility. As Block noted, 'it really allows for others to come and compete at the top,' it's clear that she sees this as an opportunity for growth and development. With this new partnership, Block will be able to take her skills to the next level and compete against some of the best drivers in the world.
Block's decision to switch to the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 is a significant one, marking a major shift for her motorsport career. With her experience in Formula 4 and her recent success in the ARA series, Block has the skills and knowledge to compete with the best. As she noted, 'it's going to be a learning experience for me,' it's clear that she sees this as an opportunity for growth and development.
With the addition of Hyundai to the ARA grid, fans can expect to see some exciting performances from Block and her co-driver Alex Gelsomino. With their combined skills and experience, they have the potential to be a major force in the 2026 ARA season. As Block herself noted, 'I want to go to the top,' it's clear that she's determined to make a name for herself in the rally world.
The addition of Hyundai to the ARA grid is a significant step forward for rally enthusiasts, offering increased competition and accessibility.
