The FIA concludes its evaluation of Rally US’s candidate event, positioning the World Rally Championship for a first U.S. round in 2027.
FIA Assessment Confirms 2027 WRC Return
From 11‑17 June, a delegation of FIA officials visited the United States to judge the feasibility of a new WRC round centered on Knoxville, Tennessee, with stages spanning into Kentucky. Their focus included sporting rules, safety protocols, and medical provisions, all benchmarked against the championship’s stringent requirements.
Following the assessment, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated the program’s potential and outlined a forthcoming report that will weigh whether the event meets World Rally Championship standards for inclusion on the 2028 calendar.
Candidate Event Highlights Strength of Rally US
Prior to the six‑day visit, Rally US completed a “candidate event” that mimicked the structure and delivery of a WRC round. The test rally incorporated the Southern Ohio Forest Rally—a round of the American Rally Association National Championship—to showcase existing national‑level infrastructure.
During the visit, FIA delegates observed the rally’s operations in real time, validating spectator safety, medical facilities, and the coordination of support crews. They also toured the proposed service park and ceremonial start sites in Knoxville and Nashville.
WRC Promoter’s Rally US Project Leader, Marc de Jong, highlighted the region’s “challenging roads set among incredible backdrops” and the automotive industry’s prominence in Tennessee and Kentucky as key to the event’s appeal.
Collaborative Effort Across National Bodies
Rally US’s organization functioned in partnership with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), United States Race Management (USRM), and the American Rally Association. These agencies facilitated close cooperation with local officials, ensuring compliance with international sporting codes.
Matt Crews, Rally US promoter, praised the “impressive” level of cohesion and cooperation that emerged during the assessment, noting that the event’s delivery aligned closely with FIA expectations and benchmarks.
Future Calendar Decision Looms
With the candidate event’s success documented, the FIA will now analyze findings over several weeks. A decision on whether the U.S. rally will appear in the next season’s calendar is expected in the summer, paving the way for the championship’s first North American contest since the 1988 Olympus Rally.
As race officials digest the report, stakeholders await the definitive announcement that would bring WRC’s world‑class action back to one of the most car‑enthused regions in the United States.
"