Colin McRae: DiRT 2

London 18/08/09: Ken Block, multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver, X Games competitor and stunt driving sensation, will headline Trax 2009 [www.traxshows.co.uk], running Sunday 6th September at Silverstone, with his ‘DiRT 2 Ken Block Jump Jam’ and perform a spectacular 100ft in-car jump to mark the forthcoming launch of Colin McRae: DiRT 2, the sequel to the hit racing videogame.

What’s more, visitors to Trax 2009 will have the chance to win a seat as Ken Block’s co-driver by proving their digital off-road driving skills in a special Colin McRae: DiRT 2 ‘Last Man Standing’ multiplayer challenge, to be held in the DiRT 2 Pit Stop Area. The 'Last Man Standing' race-off will be won by the first across the line after an 8-player race.

For the game’s best players, the prize is a ride along with Ken Block on a specially created extreme driving route around Silverstone’s off track areas. The lucky few winners will be well advised to wear two sets of underwear as Block pulls 360s, handbrake turns and donuts before finishing with his trademark adrenaline-inducing 100ft jump over a dirt kicker. A limited number of places are reserved for media interested in running a competition for their readers in the run-up to the Trax event.

Ken Block, who currently holds the world record for jumping 171ft in a rally car and has given his expertise to design some of the tracks in the game, commented: “It’s all about the physics, so I know it can be done! 100ft is nothing – we do it at the X Games all the time – and I can’t wait to give some lucky thrillseekers the same feeling of riding the air in a roaring rally car.”

X Games team-mate of the late Colin McRae, Block is at the forefront of a new breed of pro drivers, competing as Subaru Rally Team USA Driver #43 in the Rally America National Championship and the world-famous X Games. He has also gained notoriety for his mind-blowing stunts in his Subaru WRX STI.

“I’ve been involved with Codemasters and Colin McRae: DiRT 2 for quite a while and serve as a consultant for the game in addition to featuring in it,” said Block. “It’s been a real pleasure and an honour to be part of the production team – Colin McRae was a huge inspiration to me personally. Actually driving my own car in the game, I was amazed at how dynamic the setup is and how much it performs like the real thing. I hope that Colin McRae: DiRT 2 similarly inspires the thousands of kids who dream of being the fastest, greatest, rally driver out there.”

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is set to take racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, striking locations, big event atmosphere and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, each selected to deliver spectacular, fast paced racing. Taking players on an exhilarating World Tour, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will deliver over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges, set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments. From the muddy tracks of the Malaysian rainforest to spectator-packed stadiums in London and Los Angeles, racers will compete in contemporary off-road race disciplines covering Rallycross, Trailblazer, Raid, Landrush, and Rally.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will be available from leading game stores from September 11th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

Media are also invited to experience the thrill of riding alongside Block at a special media event on Friday 4th September - please get in touch using the contact details below.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Jools Moore – Naked Ape Communications

jools@naked-ape.co.uk

07717 734606

Gavin spicer – Naked Ape Communications

gavin@naked-ape.co.uk

07590 550431

ABOUT KEN BLOCK

Just four years as a rally driver, yet Ken Block’s list of accomplishments read like that of a seasoned pro. In 2005 Block was named Rally America's Rookie of the Year. As his career continued, Block’s speed and skill behind the wheel became apparent and he was signed by Subaru Rally Team USA in 2006. From there he went on to take Bronze at X Games 12 in Los Angeles, and 2nd overall in the 2006 Rally America National Championship. In 2007 he had another strong year, winning the Silver Medal at the X Games 13 Rally and finishing 3rd Overall in the Rally America National Championship. In just over three years Block has amassed 19 podiums and 8 overall victories.

Ken Block has gained worldwide notoriety for his exploits outside of rally competition, having successfully jumped his rally car 171ft for Discovery Channel's popular "Stunt Junkies" show in 2006. Then in 2007, for a segment in DC Shoes best selling Mtn. Lab DVD series, Block slid and jumped his rally car in the snow with pro-snowboarders at New Zealand's SnowPark.

Over the years Ken has developed a long and reputable history in the world of action sports, not only as a passionate and accomplished skateboarder, snowboarder and motocross rider, but also as the co-founder of one of action sports most successful companies, DC Shoes. DC was acquired by Quiksilver, Inc., in May, 2004, making it part of a nearly $2 billion action sports family. Block now serves as Chief Brand Officer where he oversees the DC brand, look and feel in all its efforts. For more information on Ken Block visit www.kenblockracing.com

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include Colin McRae DiRT, Race Driver GRID, Overlord and Operation Flashpoint; the company retains the exclusive worldwide video game rights to FORMULA 1. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Universal City, Calif. The company also maintains operations in Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Malaysia. Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com

ASK ABOUT GAMES

Codemasters supports askaboutgames.com www.askaboutgames.com - a UK initiative designed to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing games for their children.

Codemasters is a registered trademark owned by The Codemasters Software Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. NINTENDO DS, Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO