The World Rally Championship (WRC) has been a global phenomenon, with top-level vehicles boasting all-wheel drive capabilities. However, the technology was briefly banned due to its dominance in the sport. The story of how Audi's turbocharged Ur-Quattro coupe changed the game and the subsequent ban is an interesting footnote in the history of rally racing.
Today, the FIA has announced a potential candidate event for a WRC round in Kentucky in June 2024, marking a new chapter in American rallying. S. S.
soil as early as 2027. The FIA is seeking to engage a new audience and capitalize on the recent growth of Formula 1 in the United States. For the American Rallying Association (ARA), events have traditionally had a grassroots feel, with spectators able to get up close to the action.
The FIA delegation will be touring planned event grounds in Tennessee and Kentucky, attending an ARA event, and meeting with officials from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss the details. If successful, this could lead to demonstration classes and support classes for local rally teams. S.
stop on the WRC calendar is exciting news for fans of the sport, particularly those who grew up watching legendary drivers like Tommi Mäkinen and Colin McRae. With the FIA team's visit scheduled for June, anticipation is building for this historic event. America has been waiting too long to get involved in rally racing, and this could be the opportunity it needs to make a splash on the global stage.
This potential return of a U.S. stop on the WRC calendar would not only bring new excitement to American fans but also provide an opportunity for local rally teams to participate and grow in the sport. The FIA's efforts to engage a new audience and capitalize on the recent growth of Formula 1 in the United States are a step in the right direction.
