American rally fans waited almost 40 years for this moment. From 26 to 29 August 2027 the World Rally Championship (WRC) will visit the United States for the first time since 1988. After the new WRC round was confirmed in early October, the main details of the event are now set.
For the opener the organisers have chosen a special setting. The ceremonial start will take place on Lower Broadway in Nashville, one of the city's most famous streets. Between the many music clubs and bars the rally cars will be presented to fans before the sporting part of the event begins.
Knoxville will be the rally's focal point
The actual rally base will be in Knoxville in eastern Tennessee. The so-called WRC Arena will be created in World's Fair Park and the adjacent Knoxville Convention Center. In addition to team and service areas, there will be driver presentations, live concerts and other events for spectators.
The special stages are spread across more than 15 districts in Tennessee and Kentucky. They will be run on the fast gravel roads of the Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau. The region offers a mix of twisty forest sections, significant elevation changes and fast open stretches.
That promises competitors a rally that will differ significantly from classic European WRC rounds. Organisers have not yet published the final route or the individual special stages.
High hopes for the USA
For the new leadership of the World Rally Championship the return to the American market is an important step. The USA are one of the largest motorsport markets in the world, but have not been on the WRC calendar for decades.
"The USA have long been on the WRC's priority list," says Promoter CEO Eric Boullier. "Knoxville and the roads in Tennessee and Kentucky offer us a spectacular and demanding backdrop as well as an enthusiastic environment for our teams, manufacturers and fans."
Rally USA CEO Matt Crews also wants to organise more than a pure motorsport competition. The event is intended to become a multi-day festival with concerts, fan activities and events in the towns along the route.
