The World Rally Championship is finally making its long-awaited comeback to the United States! Rally US is scheduled to rip through American soil from August 26 through 29, 2027, marking the first time the FIA’s premier rally championship has been here since 1988, right after Group B folded. That’s nearly four decades, people! This new American stop is going to be the 11th leg on a massive 15-round global calendar, which, get this, is the WRC’s biggest schedule since 2008. This whole thing is part of a seriously aggressive push to get the sport beyond its usual European, Asian, and Middle Eastern stomping grounds.
Ford’s Back in the Game and WRC Goes Global
You gotta think this return has something to do with Ford, right? The Blue Oval just announced they’re coming back to the championship with a new factory effort for the 2028 season. Ford’s been a WRC OG, fielding those iconic Escorts and Capris way back at the inaugural 1973 Monte Carlo Rally. Outside of them, though, American automakers have pretty much ignored rally racing. So, it’s a huge deal for Ford to be diving back in, and it’s definitely putting more eyes on the sport here in the States. While rally hasn’t exactly been massive in America, the WRC’s return to U.S. soil has been in serious discussion for the last five years. Manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai are super keen to show off what they can do in one of the world’s biggest automotive markets. Smart move, if you ask me.
Appalachian Foothills Ready to Roar
So, where are these rally monsters gonna tear it up? WRC officials haven’t dropped the official course map yet, but organizers are already out there scouting locations across Tennessee and Kentucky. All signs are pointing to Knoxville, Tennessee, as the likely rally center. Imagine those technical, tree-lined forest roads cutting right through the Appalachian foothills and even over state lines into Kentucky. That’s gonna be wild! We’re talking some serious driving challenges and incredible scenery. If you’re itching to see these beasts in action, keep your eyes peeled. Tickets and all the spectator zone details for the August 2027 event are expected to go on sale closer to the race date. Get ready for some high-octane action, because WRC is finally, truly back!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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