The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has taken a significant step towards making rally racing a staple in the United States. The organization announced its intention to investigate the USA as a potential addition to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar for the 2027 season. This move could lead to the return of rally racing to the States, which has been absent from the WRC since the 1988 Olympus Rally in Washington. According to the FIA, a candidate event is scheduled to take place in the U.S. on June 11-17, 2026, alongside the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS). The event will be structured and observed as if it were already a part of the calendar, allowing the WRC to properly judge its performance. Inspections are set to take place in Tennessee and Kentucky, with the goal of determining whether the USA is ready to host a full-fledged ...
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has taken a significant step towards making rally racing a staple in the United States. The organization announced its intention to investigate the USA as a potential addition to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar for the 2027 season. This move could lead to the return of rally racing to the States, which has been absent from the WRC since the 1988 Olympus Rally in Washington.
According to the FIA, a candidate event is scheduled to take place in the U.S. on June 11-17, 2026, alongside the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS). The event will be structured and observed as if it were already a part of the calendar, allowing the WRC to properly judge its performance. Inspections are set to take place in Tennessee and Kentucky, with the goal of determining whether the USA is ready to host a full-fledged WRC event.
The WRC hasn’t held a race in the United States since the 1988 Olympus Rally, which was dominated by a Lancia Delta variant. The event was short-lived, but it highlighted the potential for rally racing in the States. The FIA’s decision to investigate the USA is a significant step towards strengthening the organization’s presence in the country and growing the sport’s global reach.
For rally enthusiasts, this news is a welcome development. The United States offers a unique combination of challenging terrain and motorsport culture, making it an ideal location for rally racing. With the right infrastructure and support, it’s possible that the USA could become a regular fixture on the WRC calendar.
While nothing is set in stone yet, the FIA’s announcement is a promising start. It’s clear that the organization is committed to exploring the potential of rally racing in the United States. As we look ahead to the 2027 season, it’s exciting to think about the possibility of American drivers competing in the top-flight series.
The FIA’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has emphasized the importance of growing the sport in the United States. He sees the country as a key growth opportunity for the organization and is committed to strengthening its presence in the States. With the right support and infrastructure, it’s possible that rally racing could become a defining pillar of American motorsport.
As we wait to see how the candidate event unfolds, it’s clear that the FIA is taking a significant step towards making rally racing a staple in the United States. With the right support and infrastructure, it’s possible that the USA could become a regular fixture on the WRC calendar. One thing is certain – rally racing is about to get a whole lot cooler in the States.
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