FIA Plans WRC Return to USA with 2026 Candidate Rally

Dubai, UAE – 29 January 2026:

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed a major step toward bringing the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) back to the United States, announcing a candidate rally event scheduled for mid-2026.

Organised in partnership with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), the candidate event will take place from 11 to 17 June 2026, during which FIA delegates will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed rally’s structure, logistics, safety standards, and operational capabilities. The assessment will determine whether the event meets the strict requirements to host a full WRC round in the future.

If the candidate event is successful, the United States could officially return to the WRC calendar as early as 2027, marking a historic milestone for both the championship and American rallying.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the strategic importance of the U.S. market, stating that the country represents one of the most significant growth opportunities for the WRC. He emphasized that motorsport is deeply rooted in American culture, with strong domestic championships and a growing demand for international competition. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening FIA’s presence in the United States and making rallying a key part of its motorsport landscape.

The candidate event will include extensive inspections of rally stages and infrastructure across Kentucky and Tennessee, allowing FIA officials to evaluate terrain suitability, service park concepts, and overall event logistics. Delegates will also attend a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship, engaging directly with the U.S. rally community, including organisers, volunteers, and fans.

Meetings are also planned with the proposed event promoter Podium Event Partners, a company with broad experience in major motorsport events, including NASCAR, to assess organisational capabilities and long-term event sustainability.

Rallying in the United States has experienced renewed momentum in recent years, driven by grassroots participation and the success of the ARA National Championship. This growing rally culture is seen as a strong foundation for hosting a world-class WRC event.

FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson described the candidate event as a crucial first step toward a full WRC return, noting that ACCUS will play a key role in guiding the project and ensuring the event meets international standards. He added that the FIA will work closely with organisers to support the development process and evaluate the rally’s readiness for the world stage.

The potential return of the WRC to the United States reflects the shared ambition of the FIA and WRC Promoter to expand the championship’s global footprint, connect with a passionate motorsport audience, and open a new chapter for rallying in North America.