Rally US’ bid to join next year’s FIA World Rally Championship calendar took another step forward this week following the completion of its candidate event.
Officials from the FIA and WRC Promoter visited Tennessee and Kentucky to assess the Rally US infrastructure in a week-long program organized in conjunction with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS).
The trip began at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, where the delegation observed the fourth round of the ARA National Championship. As well as offering the opportunity to engage with ARA competitors and the North American rally community, the group reviewed every aspect of procedure and protocol on a typical national-level event.
From there, the delegation moved to Tennessee and Kentucky to view a proposed route which includes a wide variety of stage conditions and promotional opportunities.
The Rally US challenge ranges from super-smooth, flat-out gravel roads to ultra-technical, twisty bedrock sections, all of which were inspected from a sporting and safety perspective.
The Rally US stages were among several of the aspects assessed
The delegation also examined the suggested service park in World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, along with a full review of local medical facilities. The Rally US team provided staffing details for a potential FIA WRC event, specifying key officials and volunteer numbers required across the spread of the proposed rally. The provision of the vital safety communication network was similarly defined.
Rally US promotion was widely discussed through the week, with the program concluding with a tour of Broadway, Nashville’s world-famous strip. This offered an opportunity to consider a ceremonial start venue which looks set to be one of the FIA WRC calendar’s highlights.
Reflecting on the candidate event, FIA president H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The completion of the Rally US candidate event marks an important first step towards the FIA World Rally Championship’s return to the United States. I would like to thank our member club ACCUS, the ARA, the local organizers, and all those who have worked together to support this process. With the candidate event now complete, our focus turns to detailing our reports and sharing our learnings with the local organizers.
“I am committed to bringing the WRC back to the United States, a nation where motorsport is part of its cultural DNA. The candidate event gives us the opportunity not only to assess the proposed stages, but to also work closely with the organizers to shape the strongest possible event for the Championship, the competitors, and the fans.”
There was further positivity from WRC Promoter Rally US project leader, Marc de Jong. He added: “The concise presentations made by the Rally US team underlined once more the great potential of this proposed event: challenging roads set among incredible backdrops in a region brimming with car culture and welcoming hospitality.
From L-R: Timi Rautiainen, Marina Duñach, Matt Crews, Emilia Abel and Nicolas Klinger
“Add to that the significance of Tennessee and Kentucky for the automotive manufacturing sector, and it is clear to see that this would be the perfect location for the long-awaited return of WRC to the United States after four decades. Thank you to Matt, ACCUS, the FIA and the whole Rally US team for their time and efforts in preparing this visit.”
Rally US promoter Matt Crews was delighted with the progress made across the trip.
“Having the opportunity to work so closely with the FIA and WRC Promoter over the last week has been incredibly valuable to Rally US and America’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship.
“The co-operation between the Rally US team, ACCUS, the ARA and their counterparts in the FIA and WRC Promoter has been really impressive. From the moment everybody arrived at Southern Ohio Forest Rally, where the delegation was able to see what a round of America’s national championship looks like, all the way through a busy schedule of stage and location visits here in Tennessee and Kentucky, the positivity and cohesiveness has been fantastic.
“We’ve made great strides towards the ultimate goal of bringing the FIA World Rally Championship back to America and we’re looking forward to the next steps now.”
The FIA and WRC Promoter will now review findings, with further detail on Rally US’ WRC arrival expected in the coming months.
