The Oregon Trail Rally, the fourth round of the 2021 American Rally Association presented by DirtFish National season, has been postponed from May to November.
The three-day Portland-based event will therefore be held on November 5-7 this year, making it the new ARA season finale.
After months of discussions with local officials, rally organizers determined that they would not be able to produce the high caliber national rally it seeks to, in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
By November, local businesses are expected to have completely reopened, spectating to be allowed, and enough volunteers and resources available to put on the popular event.
“Changing dates is a very difficult decision and one we worked very hard not to do,” said Karen Jankowski, Oregon Trail Rally event chair.
“Trying to balance giving everyone time to plan while finding a way to make May work, it soon became clear that a November date change is required for our national event.
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Event organizers will continue with the traditional format of kicking off the rally at Portland International Raceway on Friday before Goldendale stages on Saturday and tests in the Dufur area on Sunday.
“This will be our 25th running of the Oregon Trail Rally, and we really want to make it special,” Jankowski added.
“We have many fun and exciting things planned, including a special entry fee for first-time drivers.”
The 2020 Oregon Trail Rally was canceled altogether due to COVID-19, meaning the last time the rally was run was 2019.
David Higgins was the winner on that occasion for Subaru Motorsports USA, his 10th Oregon Trail Rally victory.
The next round of the ARA season will be the 100 Acre Wood Rally on March 19-20.
