February 21st, 2013, Salem, Missouri
— When it comes to viral videos on the
Internet, Hoonigan Racing Division’s Ken Block knows a thing or two. And,
clearly, War in Afghanistan veteran, Taylor Morris, knows a few things as well.
Morris, a Navy Explosives Ordinance
Disposal technician, was serving his first tour of Afghanistan in early 2012.
However, in May of that year, he became the victim of an IED near Kandahar
Airfield. Fortunately, Morris managed to survive the attack, but from that
point forward, his entire life was changed. Morris is now a quad-amputee, who,
thanks to the amazing support network of his girlfriend, his family and his
friends, has been on the road to recovery at a blistering pace. In fact,
Morris’ recovery efforts have been so impressive, that he and his friends even
managed to put together a video demonstrating his ability to properly hoon a
car and, in the process, call out HRD’s Ken Block! (video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxhUJmzTzps)
The video ended up going viral and
found its way to Block’s personal email inbox. Inspired by both Morris and his
story, Block reached out and invited Morris out to come ride along with him and
see if, in fact, his driving was as “weak” as the video call out. Needless to
say, Morris accepted the invitation and joined Block during his annual
pre-Rally America Rally of the 100 Acre Wood test, held at the Sayersbrook
Bison Ranch in Potosi, Missouri.
“It was an epic experience for me,”
said Morris “I can't believe our idea for the video we made actually succeeded
and we were invited out by one of rally’s most talented drivers in the world
for a ride along. It’s been a great experience for me and all of my friends—to
be here and have a good time with Ken and the whole Hoonigan Racing Divsion
team. Thanks so much to everybody involved!”
“I’m inspired by Taylor,” said
Block. “He sacrificed so much for our country and has been through a ton. Yet
he still has this incredible outlook and attitude towards life and he’s clearly
not letting what happened to him stop him from doing anything. He’s also a
really funny, nice guy! It was an absolute pleasure having him and his friends
out to our test this week and I think I was able to show him that I can hang
with his driving skills!”
To learn more about Morris, his
story and his road to rehabilitation, please visit: www.taylormorris.org
