One of the world’s most exciting racing series may be coming back to the United States. The FIA has confirmed that a WRC “candidate event” will run in Tennessee and Kentucky between the 11 and 17 June. If the event is successful, then an American stage could appear on the WRC calendar as soon as 2027. This wouldn’t be the first time the WRC has conducted stages on U.S. soil. However, while the sport didn’t really take off as expected last time round, things may be different in the 2020s. Speaking to The Manual, FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson said:
“Since a round of the WRC was last held in the U.S., the country has continued to strengthen its position as a global leader in motor sport. Events have evolved and operate at the highest of standards, supported by broadcast capabilities, robust safety frameworks, and sustained investment in people and development. A well-established ecosystem – from IndyCar and NASCAR to successful grassroots programs – brings together experienced promoters, strong media platforms and an enthusiastic fan base that is increasingly engaged with global championships. These factors all help to create a strong platform for the prospect of WRC returning to the United States.”
Could Rally be the next Formula 1?
The FIA, which is the governing body of many major motorsports, isn’t going in blind. Its flagship contest, Formula 1, is currently seeing major success in the United States despite a previous absence from the country. Despite fundamental differences between the two sports, Wilson is confident the success could be replicated. He says:
“Formula 1’s growth in the U.S. has shown what is possible when an international championship is presented in a way that connects with American audiences. While the WRC is a very different discipline, the principle is the same with compelling competition and high-quality event experiences. With the right partners and a sustainable approach, we believe rallying has the potential to build a meaningful following in the U.S.”
While the immediate focus is definitely on Tennessee and Kentucky, the possibilities are sort of endless when it comes to rallying in the United States. The country has everything from swampland, to deserts. From alpine-esque mountains, to tundra. Wilson acknowledged the “unparalleled diversity” in U.S. terrain while talking to The Manual. However he did reiterate that the immediate focus is on the trial event in the U.S. South.
The prospect of future events elsewhere in the U.S. was described as “intriguing” but there’s a fair argument that the FIA has picked an ideal test bed this time around. The Southern States are arguably the cradle of American motorsport, and the region boasts some of the best roads in the country. So if rally is going to succeed anywhere on U.S. soil, it’s going to succeed in Kentucky and Tennessee.
