Home
News
The World Rally Championship Could Return To The US After 40 Years
WRC officials will attend an American Rally Association event and explore stages and infrastructure in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Jeff Glucker 
By: Jeff Glucker
Jan 29, at 2:30pm ET
Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motor1.com%2Fnews%2F785871%2Fwrc-returns-to-usa%2F&text=The%20World%20Rally%20Championship%20Could%20Return%20To%20The%20US%20After%2040%20Years&via=motor1com)
- copy
Share
Comment
The Breakdown
- FIA officials will explore stages across Kentucky and Tennessee.
- The team will meet with ARA organizers, volunteers, and fans to discuss a return to the US.
- WRC last held an event in the States in 1988.
Formula One may get the global glory, but true motorsports fans know that rally drivers are some of the most skilled on the planet. The World Rally Championship (WRC) is a showcase of wild speed, tremendous ability, and furious action.
Sadly, the WRC calendar hasn't had a race in the United States for decades. The last event held here was the 1988 Olympus Rally in Shelton, Washington. But that could soon change.
Photo by: Vermont SportsCar
Officials from the FIA, the governing body of WRC and other high-level motorsport, will hold a "candidate event" in the US this June. The goal of the program is to explore a potential location for a future stage rally and to also meet with US rally fans, promoters, volunteers, and race organizers.
Here in the US, the largest group hosting rally races is the American Rally Association (ARA). It produces an excellent calendar filled with both national and regional events. This is the series where you could find Travis Pastrana battling David Higgins, Brandon Semenuk, and, at one time, Ken Block.
The sport has long been popular here in the US, despite the lack of a global WRC presence. The last few years have seen ARA push that love for rally even further.
Officials from the FIA will scout potential stages across Kentucky and Tennessee. They'll examine the infrastructure there to ensure it's capable of hosting an event.
The FIA officials will also attend an ARA race. During the event, they plan to sit down and talk with everyone who makes the US rallying community what it is today. And it's no surprise to see the FIA interested in a WRC return to the States. After all, the growth of F1 here in the US has been a financial boon to the sport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:
'The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship," according to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "It is a nation where motor sport is part of the cultural DNA, with world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition.'
'I am deeply committed to strengthening the FIA's presence in the U.S. and ensuring that rallying becomes a defining pillar of that future.'
If the candidate event goes well, the WRC could see a US event on its calendar by 2027. Finger crossed.
What do you think?
View
Comments
Motor1's take: A WRC return to the States will mark a glorious moment for rally fans here. The global stage of WRC has highlighted the beauty of wherever it races by allowing a top-level motorsport to deliver stunning action and visuals. This move could also strengthen the ARA's appeal.
Even better is the idea that the average automotive enthusiast may see automakers take an interest in rally-inspired versions of their road cars. Subaru has to be drooling at this news, which means maybe we'll finally see a real STI return.
More Rally News
This Lifted Toyota GR86 Was Made To Rally. And You Can Actually Buy One
The First Dakar-Winning Mitsubishi Pajero Gets the Restoration It Deserves: Video
Source: FIA
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motor1.com?
Take our 3 minute survey.
- The Motor1.com Team
Share this Story
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motor1.com%2Fnews%2F785871%2Fwrc-returns-to-usa%2F&text=The%20World%20Rally%20Championship%20Could%20Return%20To%20The%20US%20After%2040%20Years&via=motor1com)
- copy
GO TO COMMENTS
(
)
Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com
View all comments ( )
Popular
Audi Is Spending $4 Billion On A New US Factory For Big SUVs
Toyota's Next Mid-Engined Coupe Is Going Racing This Weekend
Alfa Romeo Has Had It With Huge Screens
Subaru Teases A New Manual WRX, But Only For Japan
latest articles
- Every Detail Packed Into The Bentley Torcal First Edition Oct 25 - Special Editions -
- Woman Buys Brand-New Tesla, Notices A Crack In The Windshield. Then She Tries To Get Tesla To Fix It Oct 25 - Trending -
- These Defensive Driving Habits Could Save You From A Crash Oct 25 - Motor101 -
- Nissan Driver Gets An Oil Change. Then The Mechanic Sends Him Something Unexpected: 'I'm Upset That This Isn't Required By Law' Oct 25 - Trending -
- How Do Automatic High Beams Know When To Turn On And Off? Oct 25 - Motor101 -
- ‘Gave You The Midas Touch’: Man Takes Volkswagen To Midas For An Oil Change. He's In Shock When They're Done Oct 25 - Trending -
- Audi Is Spending $4 Billion On A New US Factory For Big SUVs Oct 25 - Manufacturing / Production -
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
The New Hyundai Tucson Could Be Its Most Popular Yet
These Defensive Driving Habits Could Save You From A Crash
‘This Should Be On The Dealership’: Woman Buys VW at Hyundai Dealership. Then Her Mechanic Finds A Shocking Problem No One Caught
Nissan Driver Gets An Oil Change. Then The Mechanic Sends Him Something Unexpected: 'I'm Upset That This Isn't Required By Law'
Hyundai Recalls 94,000 Genesis Models Over Power Seat Fire Risk
How Do Automatic High Beams Know When To Turn On And Off?
Hyundai Dealership Worker Shows Off Palisade. But It Has A 'Car Birthday'—That's Good For Shoppers