This June Tennessee and Kentucky will host a major step towards the return of World Rally Cross here in the United States, and it’s within a short driving distance of Atlanta. The candidates event will feature WRC standard stages across northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky, and if successful could mean we see a full blown WRC event here in 2027.
The United States last hosted a World Rally Championship round in 1988 when the Olympus Rally formed part of the global calendar.
The candidate event will be held June 11th through 17th. The idea is to give FIA representatives the opportunity to do a trial run before potentially bringing their top series. The trial event will be delivered in collaboration with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and closely evaluated by FIA delegates, covering all aspects of rally delivery including sporting operations, safety, infrastructure and event promotion.
The effort is being lead by RallyUSA in conjunction with local event promoter Podium Events Partners, one of several organizations that have been working for years to raise the profile of Rally here in the states, as well as potentially drawing the FIA to add their event to the WRC calendar.
Plans to bring WRC back to the USA have been germinating for some time and the confirmation of this candidate event marks a major milestone. It is a significant step in the championship’s much-anticipated return to the U.S., after an absence of nearly 40 years. – Rally USA project leader Marc de Jong
The FIA World Rally Championship delivers an unparalleled fan experience and a powerful global platform for manufacturers and corporate sponsors, while showcasing host regions on a world stage like nothing else in sport. The United States is ready to return to the WRC calendar and host an event that doesn’t just meet expectations – it redefines them. This represents a decisive step in making that vision a reality. – Podium Event Partners CEO Matt Crews
Featured image courtesy of ARA/FIA/WRC
