Story byMotorsport photoTom HowardTue, January 27, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC·4 min readThe World Rally Championship making a return to the USA next year is a step closer, with a candidate test rally planned later this year. The WRC has long held an ambition to return to the USA for the first time since the 1988 Olympus Rally, with the project a key part of its plan to grow the category. In 2024 the championship announced a “clear roadmap” to achieving a USA event in 2026 that included direct investment and involvement in event promotion from WRC Promoter. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere had been hope a gravel-based Rally USA event located in Tennessee would feature on the 2026 calendar, with a multi-year deal on the table before a mutual decision was made between the governing body, the WRC Promoter and ACCUS to delay the USA’s appearance on the WRC calendar until 2027 at the earliest to ensure the event has the best chance to be a success. Read Also: Why the FIA is confident WRC will head to USA in 2027 after 2026 calendar miss AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow the FIA has confirmed that a candidate event will be held in 11-17 June in preparation for the event to feature in next year’s calendar. Delegates will explore stages and infrastructure across Kentucky and Tennessee, gaining first-hand insight into the terrain and facilities. The programme will also include a visit to a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship, offering the FIA a chance to engage directly with the US rally community, including organisers, volunteers and fans. Meetings are also scheduled with the proposed event promoter and organiser, Podium Event Partners, which has long-established experience across multiple motor sport disciplines, including NASCAR. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJuha Kankkunen, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA PresidentJuha Kankkunen, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President“The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.“It is a nation where motorsport is part of the cultural DNA, with world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition.