Knoxville, Tenn. – The city has been selected as the host for the 2027 American round of the FIA World Rally Championship, known locally as Rally US. The three‑day event will run Aug. 26‑29, 2027, with the WRC Arena, team base and fan festival set up at World’s Fair Park and the Knoxville Convention Center.
Why the Rally Matters to Knoxville
Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville, said the rally offers a rare chance for the city to showcase its hospitality, scenic roads and regional attractions to a worldwide audience. “World Rally, under the brand of Rally US, is coming back to the United States after nearly 40 years,” Bumpas explained. “It’s a really exciting thing for Knoxville to be able to showcase us, tell the story of Tennessee, tell the story of the United States.” She added that the event will put Knoxville in front of “millions and millions of eyeballs” and boost tourism.
Event Layout and Competition
Two‑person crews will race modified, road‑legal cars against the clock on closed public roads across Tennessee and Kentucky. The rally will feature roughly 20 timed special stages ranging from two to more than 20 miles, with the lowest aggregate time determining the winner. Drivers will tackle mountain forest roads from the Appalachian foothills to the Cumberland Plateau, mixing slow, twisty elevation sections with fast, open gravel and tarmac stretches.
Top‑level rally cars produce 300‑400 horsepower and feature four‑wheel drive. Drivers and co‑drivers rely on pace notes to call out hazards ahead, demanding precise coordination and rapid decision‑making.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Organizers estimate that a typical WRC round generates about $75 million in visitor spending on hotels, restaurants, rental cars, flights and souvenirs. Matt Crews, president and CEO of Rally US, noted, “Tennessee is in the hospitality and entertainment business, and nobody does it better.” The influx of fans is expected to benefit more than 15 counties across the two states, supporting local businesses and reinforcing the region’s reputation for motorsport tradition.
Logistics and Local Support
Knoxville will serve as Rally Headquarters, with teams basing each night in the city to service their cars and prepare for the next day’s stages. A ceremonial start will take place on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville, highlighting the event’s statewide reach.
Marc De Jong, head of business development for WRC Promoter, praised Knoxville’s “vibrant city” qualities, including its international airport, nearby seaports, automotive manufacturing base and a strong motorsports heritage. “You’ve got a vibrant city. Every direction you look, you’ve got great driving roads,” De Jong said, adding that the “special sauce of Knoxville hospitality” helped secure the bid.
How to Get Involved
Fans can register now for priority ticket access, premium hospitality packages, or volunteer opportunities through the official Rally US website. The event promises not only high‑octane competition but also a showcase of East Tennessee’s natural beauty and community spirit.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
