In recent years, the United States has repeatedly emerged when speculation has surrounded future WRC calendars. Bringing the championship back to the U.S. has been a long-term ambition shared by the WRC Promoter, the FIA and the manufacturers.
The FIA has now confirmed that a World Rally Championship candidate event will be held in the United States in the summer of 2026.
The candidate event will take place from 11–17 June across the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. During the event, FIA delegates will carry out a comprehensive inspection, assessing all aspects of rally organisation from sporting operations to safety protocols.
As part of the programme, the FIA delegation will also visit a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship to familiarise themselves with the local rally community.
A successful candidate event would open the door for the United States to join the WRC calendar in 2027.
“The confirmation of a FIA World Rally Championship candidate event in the United States is an important milestone and a first step towards bringing the championship to the country, offering a valuable opportunity to assess the proposed stages and service park concept,” said FIA deputy president for sport Malcolm Wilson.
The organisation of the candidate event will also involve the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS).
“ACCUS plays a central role in this process, bringing significant experience and leadership within American motor sport, and the FIA will work closely with ACCUS and the event organisers to evaluate the event and support its continued development to ensure it meets FIA World Rally Championship standards,” Wilson added.
The World Rally Championship last visited the United States in 1988, when the event was known as the Olympus Rally.
