The World Rally Championship is closing on its first return to the United States in almost 40 years, following the FIA’s confirmation of a candidate event in June (11-17).
America was first included on the world rallying calendar in 1986, but the WRC hasn’t visited since the Olympus Rally dropped off the schedule after 1988.
Efforts have increased in recent years to bring the sport’s top tier Stateside, culminating with world motorsport’s governing body “accelerating plans” for the WRC to visit the US as early as 2027.
Organized in collaboration with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), the candidate event will involve FIA delegates exploring facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee and assessing “every aspect of rally organization.” An ARA round will also be visited in conjunction with the proposed event promoter Matt Crews and Podium Event Partners.
A successful candidate event would result in the US being considered for WRC calendar inclusion as early as 2027.
The WRC first visited the US in 1986, where Markku Alèn won for Lancia
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship. It is a nation where motorsport is part of the cultural DNA, home to world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition.
“I am deeply committed to strengthening the FIA’s presence in the US and ensuring that rallying becomes a defining pillar of that future. With five FIA-sanctioned events already established in three FIA World Championships across the nation, the foundations are firmly in place. Now is the time to build on that momentum.
“Expanding the WRC into North America would not only elevate the championship’s global reach, but unite rallying with a knowledgeable, passionate, and expanding fanbase in a market where participation and fan engagement continue to accelerate.”
FIA deputy president for sport Malcolm Wilson added: “The confirmation of a FIA World Rally Championship candidate event in the United States is an important milestone and a first step towards bringing the championship to the country, offering a valuable opportunity to assess the proposed stages and service park concept.
“ACCUS plays a central role in this process, bringing significant experience and leadership within American motor sport, and the FIA will work closely with ACCUS and the event organisers to evaluate the event and support its continued development to ensure it meets FIA World Rally Championship standards.”
Crews said America is ready to welcome world rallying back: “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.”
What is a candidate event?
Candidate event without an event? How can that be? The FIA’s process of assessing a country’s ability to host a round of the World Rally Championship has evolved.
America’s bid won’t be focused on one specific rally in June, it will comprise delegates being shown all aspects of the planned event infrastructure in both Tennessee and Kentucky. In that week, they will be shown key stages for the route as well as the proposed service park venue, fan zones, superspecials.
Logistics will be detailed along with the opportunity to meet key figures from the ARA National Championship and wider American rallying community.
All of that detail will help shape the potential for America’s first WRC round since 1988.
David Evans
