WRC To Consider Return To US in 2027, Candidate Event Set For 2026
The FIA World Rally Championship, working in collaboration with the FIA, ACCUS and Podium Events, has taken a step towards a return to the United States with a WRC candidate event confirmed for June. An official announcement was made recently via the FIA, ACCUS and Podium events via the official WRC website.
Set to run June 11th through 17th, the candidate event will be assessed against full WRC standards across stages in Tennessee and Kentucky, as part of a structured process that could open the door to an expected return with a full round on the WRC calendar in 2027.
The United States last hosted a World Rally Championship round in 1988 when the Olympus Rally formed part of the global calendar.
Expected WRC Return To US, But Not Assured
The trial event will be delivered in collaboration with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and closely evaluated by FIA delegates, covering all aspects of rally delivery including sporting operations, safety, infrastructure and event promotion.
The candidate event will include stage and service park assessments, a visit to a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship, planning and coordination efforts with expected event organizer Podium Event Partners.
Plans to bring WRC back to the USA have been germinating for some time and the confirmation of this candidate event marks a major milestone. It is a significant step in the championship’s much-anticipated return to the U.S., after an absence of nearly 40 years. – Rally USA project leader Marc de Jong
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. – Podium Event Partners CEO Matt Crews
Local promoter and Podium Event Partners CEO Matt Crews added that the project had the potential to deliver a world-class event for fans, manufacturers and partners, saying: “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.”
Featured photo and elements of this article courtesy of WRC/ARA/FIA.
