Delay in WRC's US Rally Initiation Aimed to Ensure Initial Success
World Rally Championship Delays U.S. Debut Until 2027
The World Rally Championship (WRC) has released its 2026 schedule, which does not include a U.S. round. Despite previous test events and ambitions for a 2027 debut, the organizers have decided to delay the U.S. rally to ensure it is properly prepared and executed "right the first time."
During a media roundtable in Finland, where the WRC is currently taking place, the subject of a U.S. rally was discussed. Emilia Abel, the road sport director of the FIA, stated that all parties agreed that the event would benefit from another year of preparation. Abel emphasized the importance that the local organizers are following "exactly the same requirements as the FIA."
Since 2023, there have been four test and training functions of various sizes for a potential U.S. rally. One of these test functions was a demonstration event, and more training events are planned at American Rally Championship events in the second half of 2025. The WRC's commercial body stated that much work needs to be done to build the event from the ground up.
Fans had hoped for a U.S. rally, which would have been the country's first in nearly 40 years. The city of Chattanooga's tourism board representatives traveled to Finland to better understand the symphony of motorsports and nature for a WRC event. However, despite efforts, the WRC and its partners have not been able to get a Tennessee event over the line yet.
Abel predicted that 2027 would be the year for the first U.S. WRC round, expressing confidence and noting good progress over the last month. A planned Candidate Event in September will provide an opportunity to evaluate the standards of a modern WRC event. The organisers are pressing on with a 2027 target for a U.S. rally, ensuring that the event is well-prepared and set to make a strong impact on the WRC calendar.
[1] World Rally Championship announces 2026 calendar without a U.S. round [2] WRC and partners delay U.S. rally to 2027 for proper preparation [3] FIA and WRC promoters focused on consolidating existing events [4] Emilia Abel: 2027 is the year for the first U.S. WRC round
- The World Rally Championship (WRC) has unveiled its 2026 schedule, revealing that the U.S. round will not be featured, with organizers preferring an additional year of preparation before making their 2027 debut.
- Emilia Abel, road sport director of the FIA, predicted that 2027 would mark the introduction of the U.S. round in the World Rally Championship, expressing optimism about the progress made in recent months.
