DirtFish and American Rally Association (ARA) are pleased to announce their newly created partnership aimed at cultivating a more promising future for rallying in the United States.
The two organizations will work together to elevate the US championship to the same level as other national series around the world. While United States Auto Club (USAC)/ARA will still focus on the competition and sporting side of the championship, DirtFish will assume responsibility of the marketing, media and branding.
With the United States being one of the largest car markets in the world (roughly 800 cars for every 1,000 residents…), there is no question that auto manufacturers from around the globe have their eye on the USA. In the past, the US rally championship has attracted multiple manufacturers and has a rich history in rallying. Subaru, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi have all fought for the title with the likes of Hannu Mikkola, Björn Waldegård, David Higgins, Travis Pastrana, Ken Block, Rod Millen, John Buffum and many more. This partnership is aimed at reigniting that manufacturer passion and creating a stage for them to showcase their latest models and technologies in the future.
When asked about DirtFish’s involvement, DirtFish CEO Justin Simpson had this to say:
“We are really excited about the opportunity to support the growth of rallying in the USA. This is our home and the championship here has so much to offer competitors and fans from around the world.
“Our plan is to help put the ARA championship on the global stage and give recognition to the incredibly diverse terrain that exists in our nine national championship rounds.
“We will do this through expanded media coverage and marketing support for the championship in 2021 – all while USAC and ARA continue supporting the competition elements of the series.”
USAC President Kevin Miller, who has been a strong proponent leading the charge on the competition side had this to say about the future of ARA:
“The media partnership with DirtFish builds on the strengths of both parties in a joint effort to grow rallying in North America. USAC has a storied past in organizing many forms of motorsports, and DirtFish is a world-recognized media brand in the sport.
“The combination of our efforts will boost the presence of American rallying globally overnight. I am truly excited to put 100% of USAC’s efforts into bettering the competition side of rallying, including timing, scoring and safety initiatives we have planned to roll out in 2021!”
2021 will be the most competitive championship fight that we’ve seen in a while with Subaru Motorsports USA drivers Pastrana and Brandon Semenuk looking to take the crown from ARA Champion Barry McKenna, who will be returning with his title defense in mind. There will also be an influx of R5/Rally2 cars this year – five registered for Sno*Drift and nine registered for 100 Acre Wood. Rally on!
2021 ARA Schedule
February 20: Sno*Drift (Atlanta, Michigan)
March 19/20: Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (Salem/Potosi, Missouri)
April 24/25: DirtFish Olympus Rally (Shelton, Washington)
May 21-23: Oregon Trail Rally (Portland, Oregon)
June 11/12: Southern Ohio Forest Rally (Chillicothe, Ohio)
July 30/31: New England Forest Rally (Bethel, Maine)
August 27/28: Ojibwe Forests Rally (Detroit Lakes, Minnesota)
September 17/18: Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally (Wellsboro, Pennsylvania)
October 15/16: Lake Superior Performance Rally (Marquette, Michigan)
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About American Rally Association
The American Rally Association is dedicated to embracing the passion and innovation of the diverse rally community through the promotion and growth of the premier rally experience in the United States.
Founded in 2016, the ARA is owned by USAC, a leading member of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, the National Sport Authority (ASN) of the governing body of world motorsport – the FIA – for the United States.
The ARA is led by seasoned professionals who work hand-in-hand with event organizers and competitors to become stewards of the sport of stage rallying.
To connect with ARA, go to www.americanrallyassociation.org or follow on Facebook, You Tube, Instagram or Twitter.
About DirtFish
Founded in 2010 as a rally driving school, DirtFish continues to fulfill its original mission as an organization to become the world’s premier rally school. To date more than 14,000 driving enthusiasts have graduated from DirtFish, learning the skills required drive a rally car and control any vehicle on a loose surface.
Headquartered just outside Seattle, Washington, USA, DirtFish has more than 300 acres of property to serve as its rally playground. In addition to the DirtFish Rally School, the DirtFish ecosystem also includes the following: DirtFish Media, which is focused on being the go-to place for all things rallying by providing the latest rallying news, insights and content on DirtFish.com and its social media channels, DirtFish Motorsports, that competes in stage rally and rallycross across North America and DirtFish Performance Shop, specializing in rally vehicle builds and accessories.
DirtFish Merchandise is your source for rally-inspired apparel while DirtFish Events offers a global team supporting rallying events of any size worldwide. DirtFish Giving is our philanthropic platform dedicated to supporting the Seattle community.
