FIA deputy president for sport, Malcolm Wilson, has described the World Rally Championship’s impending return to the United States as “a landmark moment for our sport”.
Momentum continues to build behind Rally United States’ bid to join the WRC calendar from 2027, with the completion of a route survey that will define the itinerary of the event.
Senior representatives from the FIA will next visit planned stages across Tennessee and eastern Kentucky between June 11-18, as well as proposed host cities, service park locations, fan zones and ceremonial venues.
Wilson said: “We are pleased to begin our formal assessment of the Rally United States candidate event and look forward to working closely with our Member Club ACCUS, the Rally United States team and the WRC Promoter as preparations gather pace.
“The return of the FIA World Rally Championship to the United States is a landmark moment for our sport. This visit will bring key stakeholders together to evaluate the event firsthand, while giving our delegates the opportunity to share their expertise with the organizing team ahead of the event.
The US’s WRC roots are in Olympus (pictured), but the modern event would be different
“There is real ambition and momentum behind this project, and the FIA is encouraged by the progress made to date. We will provide the full weight of our sporting, safety and operational expertise as the event works towards its place on the 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar.”
The United States hasn’t been on the WRC calendar since the Olympus Rally ran between 1986-88.
Rally United States promoter Matt Crews is one of the men instrumental in trying to bring it back.
“We’re excited to welcome the sport’s regulators, promoters, and stakeholders to the United States next month,” Crews said. “This marks the most significant step yet toward bringing the World Rally Championship back to America since it last visited in 1988.
“The Tennessee–Kentucky region has long been recognized as a leader in live events, entertainment, and hospitality, and we look forward to bringing together unique elements and experiences that will make Rally United States a marquee event for fans, partners, and competitors alike.
“The delegation will begin in Ohio with a visit to the Southern Ohio Forest Rally (SOFR), a round of the ARA National Championship, providing an opportunity to experience rallying at the domestic level in the United States. It will showcase the enthusiasm and professionalism of the organizers, volunteers, and rally community across the country, along with the exceptional talent and competitiveness of its drivers and teams.
“Following the visit to Ohio, the delegation will travel to Tennessee and eastern Kentucky, where we’ll showcase the vision for Rally United States, from the character of the roads and competition stages to the strength of our partnerships with cities, local communities, and event stakeholders.
“Our team has worked tremendously hard to develop stages that will challenge the world’s best drivers while showcasing the region’s beautiful landscapes to a global audience. Next month marks a major milestone for Rally United States, and we’re proud to present the people, facilities, organization, and infrastructure that will help bring world championship rallying back to America.”
