Knoxville has been selected as the host city for the World Rally Championship’s return to the United States next year. The announcement follows the recent release of the expanded 15-round 2027 calendar by the WRC, marking the championship’s first trip to America since the Olympus Rally in 1988.
Event Layout and Schedule
Serving as round 11 of the championship, the gravel rally will take place from August 26 to 29. Organizers confirmed that the event headquarters will be based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The service park, known as the WRC Arena, alongside the team base and fan festival, will occupy the city’s World’s Fair Park and Convention Centre. Meanwhile, the ceremonial start will take place on Nashville’s Lower Broadway.
Organizers have promised continuous entertainment both on and off the stages, incorporating live music and various fan activations. The competition will span 15 counties across Tennessee and Kentucky, with special stages winding through the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Competitors will face fast gravel roads, technical forest sections, and dramatic elevation changes that are expected to challenge WRC crews.
Official and Organizer Reactions
US Rally president Matt Crews highlighted the region’s capabilities, stating, “Tennessee is in the hospitality and entertainment business, and nobody does it better.” He added that the goal was to deliver an event experience rivaling any festival globally and showcasing the state internationally.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed enthusiasm for hosting the historic return nearly four decades after the last U.S. event.
The United States has served as a primary target for the WRC to expand its series, prompting the championship to grow to 15 rounds. WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier noted that Knoxville and the surrounding roads provide a spectacular, challenging setting and a passionate home for teams, manufacturers, and fans.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that the United States represents a vital growth opportunity due to its motorsport culture and expanding fan base. He stated a deep commitment to strengthening the FIA’s presence in the country and establishing rallying as a defining pillar of its future.
The expanded championship will bring the WRC back to North America to connect with a knowledgeable and growing motorsport audience.
