For enthusiasts of the World Rally Championship (WRC), the excitement is substantial as whispers of a potential return to American soil echo through-out the automotive community. It’s been an agonizing 36-year wait since the last WRC event graced the shores of the United States back in 1988. But could 2026 or 2027 be the years that mark the triumphant return of this adrenaline-fueled spectacle to American rally enthusiasts?
The buzz surrounding the revival of the WRC in the U.S. has peaked many enthusiasts interest, with eyes turning to the rugged terrains of Chattanooga, Tennessee, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Cherokee National Forest and the Ocoee River region in Polk County. Extensive research and testing have been conducted in these areas over the past few years, evaluating their suitability not only for hosting the race but also for accommodating the influx of tourism that such a prestigious event is expected to bring.
Simon Larkin, the seasoned WRC event director, offers a cautious assessment, stating unequivocally, “The USA will not be ready for 2025, 100%.” Yet, this sentiment hasn’t dampened the spirits of the American Rally Association (ARA), which has been diligently laying the groundwork for the return of WRC to American shores.
Last fall, the ARA hosted a dry run of the event, a precursor to the upcoming non-competitive event scheduled for June 14-16 of this year. This event is designed to mirror the WRC schedule, serving as a teaser for potential overseas investors while providing invaluable insights into the logistics of hosting a world championship qualifier on American soil.
The proposed event promises a thrilling 118 competitive miles spread across eight stages in Polk County, with two electrifying asphalt spectator stages set to electrify downtown Chattanooga.
“We are pleased to have this new organizing group join our series and bring back some classic rally stages.”
Preston Osborn, ARA competition director
The prospect of one of the most fiercely contested racing events returning to the heart of the United States is an exciting one for motorsport enthusiasts nationwide. As the ARA gears up to showcase the best of American rallying prowess, anticipation mounts for the day when the roar of turbocharged engines reverberates through the forests of Tennessee once more.
In the grand tapestry of motorsport history, the return of the WRC to American shores promises to be a turning point, reigniting a passion for rallying that has lain dormant for far too long. With each passing mile, the journey towards 2026 or 2027 becomes all the more exhilarating, as the rallying community eagerly awaits the revival of a legend on American soil.
