The FIA's Teasing Game: Will We Finally Get a U.S. World Rally Championship?
A five-year-long tease, and the FIA is at it again! The prospect of a U.S. World Rally Championship (WRC) has been a topic of much excitement and anticipation, only to be dashed time and again. But now, the FIA is reigniting our hopes with the announcement of a candidate event in June, leaving us wondering if this time it's for real.
But here's where it gets controversial... The FIA, in collaboration with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), has organized a week-long inspection tour from June 11-17. This event, however, overlaps with the Southern Ohio Performance Rally (SOFR), a key event in the American Rally Association (ARA) championship. It's a deliberate move, not an oversight, as the FIA aims to assess the potential for a full WRC round in the U.S. starting in 2027.
The FIA's Plan: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Delegates will explore Kentucky and Tennessee, gaining insights into the terrain and facilities. They'll visit ARA events, meet organizers, volunteers, and fans, and engage with Podium Event Partners, an experienced motorsport promoter. This candidate event is a crucial step towards the U.S. rejoining the WRC calendar.
What's a Candidate Event?
The term might suggest the FIA evaluating an existing rally, but it's more complex. The FIA will examine proposed WRC event locations and learn how American rallies are run. The last WRC event in the U.S. was the Olympus Rally in 1988, and the FIA seems to be considering the Chattanooga area again.
The ARA Factor: A New Approach?
Previously, an external organization ran the WRC bid, but this time, ARA and ACCUS are actively involved. The FIA's decision to engage with established U.S. rally structures could be a game-changer. The ARA's experience and volunteer network might have influenced the FIA's decision to pump the brakes on the proposed U.S. WRC event in the past.
The Challenges: Political and Practical
The FIA's five-year tease has left many wondering if it will ever happen. The lack of WRC-competing cars for sale in the U.S. and the current political climate add to the challenges. Despite the uncertainties, the prospect of a WRC event on American soil for the first time since 1988 is an exciting one.
So, will the U.S. finally get its WRC event? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts? Do you think the FIA will deliver, or is this another false hope? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
