The city of Knoxville will host the first Rally US, marking the return of the World Rally Championship (WRC) to the United States after nearly 40 years of absence. This edition will take place from August 26 to 29, 2027, becoming the 11th round of the expanded calendar of 15 races in the coming years.
Based in Tennessee, the rally will feature the WRC Arena located at the World’s Fair Park and the Convention Center of the city. The popular ceremonial start will take place on Lower Broadway in Nashville, known for being the stage of major musical events.
The organizers have promised a unique experience for fans, with live musical performances and various activities around the stages. The rally route will extend across 15 counties through Tennessee and Kentucky, with sections crossing the Appalachian Mountains up to the Cumberland plateau.
The characteristics of the region’s roads, which include fast gravel paths and technical sections through forests, will pose new challenges for WRC teams. Matt Crews, president of the US Rally, expressed his excitement about the championship’s return to the United States, emphasizing the importance of providing an extraordinary experience that competes with any global festival.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee added that hosting this historic event reflects the growing interest in motorsport in the country. According to Eric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, the state of Tennessee will provide a spectacular and passionate setting for teams and fans.
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, highlighted the opportunity that the growth in North America represents for the WRC. Efforts to integrate the rally within the automotive culture of the United States certify the goal of strengthening the FIA’s presence in this expanding market.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
