America has its first FIA-legal rally in 10 years

The FIA International Cherokee Trails Rally will kick off this weekend in Chattanooga, Tennesee. One of the largest fields of (80) cars will be present for an American rally with more than a few international competitors. There are 13 Mitsubishi Lancer Evos, 2 factory Hyundai Tiburons, and three Prodrive-built Subaru WRX STi's in the field. The international field is lead by Mark Lovell and Steve Turvey along with Richard Tuthill and John Bennie, and Seamus Burke and Frank Cunningham. The American talent includes 11-time SCCA champ John Buffum, Karl Schieble (of VW Beetle rally commercial fame), Henry and Cindy Krolikowski, and Pikes Peak champ Rhys Millen.

The rally will take place in the Ocoee/Hiwassee District of the Cherokee National Forest near Chattanooga, Tennesee and is in some of the most beautiful and picturesque mountains in eastern America. Rain has been falling for two days and the roads will be treacherous. This could play into the hands of the Brit rallyists because the course might look a lot like those run through the Welsh forests.

It is good to see an FIA legal rally being run in America again. Maybe this can be the impetus for us to get a round of the WRC here or in Canada.

Well the World Rally Championship is the World Rally Championship. Technically that should mean that there is a round of the series on every conintent. Not that American 'World' events do anything outside of the USA.

Would be great, though, to see a new event. Please do let us know how it all goes...

Mr Sun, I agree completely.

America always seems to just go it's own way, ignoring the rest of the planet. They didn't do F1 very well, so dreamed up CART which makes a few trips oversees, but not many. And don't get me started on the Baseball World Series...

However, if we go to them, maybe they'll come to us. Rallying's world championship visits, I beleive, 14 different countries, but nowhere in North America.
We've let them have F1 back, and I think it would be good for the championship to have a round in the USA or Canada.