The FIA is getting serious: With a test run in June, the WRC’s return to the USA is drawing closer – the target for the first official event is now 2027.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is taking a decisive step towards North America. With a candidate rally planned for June this year, the goal of returning to the United States is within reach.
The WRC has long pursued the goal of returning to the USA for the first time since the Olympus Rally in 1988. This project is considered a central component of the plan to expand the category worldwide. A roadmap for an event in 2026 was presented back in 2024. However, together with the WRC promoter, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the US association ACCUS, it was decided to postpone the date to 2027 at the earliest.
This is to ensure that the rally finds a long-term and successful home in the calendar.
The FIA has now confirmed that a candidate rally will take place from June 11 to 17. This will serve as direct preparation for inclusion in next year’s race calendar.
Delegates will assess special stages and infrastructure in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee to gain an initial impression of the terrain and facilities. Delegates will assess special stages and infrastructure in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee to gain a first impression of the terrain and facilities. The program also includes a visit to an American Rally Association (ARA) event. The FIA team wants to make direct contact with the US rally community and hold talks with organizers and fans. Meetings with the planned promoter, Podium Event Partners, are also on the agenda. The company has extensive experience in motorsport and is active in NASCAR, among other things.
Motorsport as part of the cultural DNA
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem sees the US as one of the most important growth opportunities for the World Championship. “The United States is a nation where motorsport is firmly embedded in the cultural DNA,” he explains. Bin Sulayem emphasizes his commitment to strengthening the FIA’s presence in the US and establishing the WRC there as a key pillar. According to the president, it is time to build on the current momentum and connect the series with a passionate fan base in an expanding market.
Marc de Jong, project manager for Rally USA at the WRC promoter, describes the confirmation of the candidate event as a milestone. “Plans for a return have been maturing for some time,” he says. After an absence of almost 40 years, this is a significant step for all those involved and partners.
Manufacturers welcome US plans
The project has also been met with great approval by manufacturers. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, emphasized the importance of the US market for the automotive industry at the season opener in Monte Carlo. “The US is at the center of car culture,” said Toyoda. It has been regrettable not to be represented there with the WRC until now. Although countries such as the UK, Ireland, China, and Australia have also expressed interest in hosting a WRC event, the US currently occupies a special position. It is the only nation that has already submitted an official application for a candidate event this year.