Colin McRae: DiRT 2

Monday 30th March/... Ken Block, the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver and co-founder of DC Shoes, has been signed as one of the key motorsport athletes who will feature in the eagerly anticipated Colin McRae: DiRT™ 2, Codemasters® revealed today with the release of the ‘Ken Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video, now available from www.dirt2game.com.

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. For Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Block is working with the development team at Codemasters Studios as technical consultant, lending his wealth of knowledge to the game and advising on car handling.

“Colin McRae is one of the main reasons that I am a rally driver. He is a big inspiration to me and the way I drive my rally car,” said Ken Block. “It’s really an honour to be a contributor to the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 and to be able to continue the passion that Colin had for rally and for these videogames ”

In the video released today, Block discusses his relationship with McRae, how he was inspired by the rally legend to pursue his own career and his involvement in the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2. Clips from some of Block’s best known videos and rally exploits showcase the supreme control he has over his car and the style, finesse and sheer audacity of his stunts, which has ensured that views of his online videos number in the multiple millions and made him a hero amongst motorsport aficionados worldwide.

“As one of the most talented and exciting drivers on the rally scene today, Ken is a perfect fit for Colin McRae: DiRT 2,” said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer, Codemasters. “His insight into car handling and track design has already been invaluable to the development team and his endless enthusiasm for the game and rally as a great sport is absolutely priceless to us.”

Gamers will be able to join Ken Block for mud, gravel, dust and dirt too in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, coming this September for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows® LIVE, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Catch the ‘Ken Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video, now available from www.dirt2game.com.

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

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

· Silver Medal - X Games 13 (2007)

· Bronze Medal - X Games 12 (2006)- "2005 Rally America Rookie of The Year"

· 18 podiums and 7 Overall Rally Wins

· Winner: 40 Under 40 Awards, Sports Business Journal 2005

· One of the most influential people (#17) in Sports Business Journal 2004

· Ad Age's Marketing 50 in 2004

· One of the Fast 50 in Fast Company Magazine, 2004

ABOUT COLIN McRAE: DiRT 2

Melding turbo-charged off-roading with extreme sports attitude, the eagerly anticipated next chapter in the legendary racing series, Colin McRae: DiRT 2, will deliver a thrilling and stylish off-road racing experience. Colin McRae: DiRT 2 takes off-road racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, big event atmosphere, stunning locations, a new breed of off-roading heroes and feature a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines covering seven vehicle classes.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will take players on a World Tour of adrenaline-fuelled extreme off-road events in stunning real-world locations. Events include exhilarating rally cross in the massive Los Angeles sports stadium’s “Stadium King Shootout”, edge-of-control canyon racing of Utah’s “Creek Trailblazer” event, the “Rawang Rally Run” along treacherous Malaysian rainforest tracks and the “Battersea Battle”, where night races are staged at the iconic London power station.Building on the technical and gameplay benchmark of Colin McRae: DiRT and borrowing from snowboarding and skateboarding lifestyle and culture, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will also add full online multiplayer and social networking functions, inviting players to become part of an extreme sports community.

Titling information:

To be titled “Colin McRae: DiRT 2” in all territories outside of the U.S. where the game will be published as ‘DiRT 2’.

MEDIA INFORMATION:

//Territories insert press contact details//

Name

(Territory) PR Manager

Codemasters

Email

Telephone

Adrian Lawton Communications Manager

Adrian.lawton@codemasters.com

Codemasters (UK 01926 814 132)

Richard Eddy, Director, Communication

Rich.eddy@codemasters.com

Codemasters (UK 01926 814 132)

PRESS RESOURCE WEB SITE

Download game artwork, screens and essential Codemasters’ press materials direct to your desktop from: http://www.codemasters.com/mediabank

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 the BAFTA award winning Race Driver GRID, Colin McRae DiRT, Overlord, Operation Flashpoint; the company also retains the exclusive worldwide FORMULA 1 video game rights. 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

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