By SEMA News Editors
WRC Candidate Event Sets Course for Future U.S. Round
The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), working in collaboration with the FIA, Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS) and Podium Events, has taken a step towards a return to the United States with a WRC candidate event to be held this June.
Scheduled for June 11-17, 2026, the candidate event will be assessed against full WRC standards across stages in Tennessee and Kentucky, as part of a structured process that could open the door to a full WRC round from 2027.
The United States last hosted a WRC round in 1988 when the Olympus Rally formed part of the global calendar, according to series officials.
The trial event will be delivered in collaboration with ACCUS and closely evaluated by FIA delegates, covering all aspects of rally delivery, including sporting operations, safety, infrastructure and event promotion, WRC officials said.
Alongside stage and service park assessments, the program will include engagement with the American rally community through a visit to a round of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship, as well as meetings with proposed promoter Podium Event Partners, which brings experience from multiple areas of American motor sport.
The move underlines the championship's long-term ambition to expand its global footprint and establish a sustainable presence in one of the world's most significant motorsports markets, series officials said.
"Plans to bring WRC back to the USA have been germinating for some time and the confirmation of this candidate event marks a major milestone," said Rally USA project leader Marc de Jong. "It is a significant step in the championship's much-anticipated return to the United States, after an absence of nearly 40 years."
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the United States represented a key growth opportunity for the championship.
"The United States represents one of the most important growth opportunities for the FIA World Rally Championship," he said. "It is a nation where motorsport is part of the cultural DNA, home to world-class domestic championships and a rapidly growing appetite for global competition.
"Expanding the WRC into North America would not only elevate the championship's global reach, but unite rallying with a knowledgeable, passionate and expanding fanbase in a market where participation and fan engagement continue to accelerate."
For more information, visit wrc.com.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock/ArtiMind
Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 Returns to Indy 500 Weekend
The second annual Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 will return to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 22, leading up to the 110th Indianapolis 500.
Last year's spectacle drew 85,000 fans in the stands at IMS and 8 million more via livestream. Revving up for its second lap, the race will feature the full fleet of six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles, who will be competing for the title of Top Dog--this year with a new live nationwide broadcast and the chance for fans to get in on the action.
With each Wienermobile named after a regional hot dog, millions rallied behind their favorites--but it was Slaw Dog who secured last year's victory. This year, Slaw Dog (Southeast) is back to defend its title along with Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South) and Seattle Dog (Northwest). Following a disappointing performance, the Sonoran Dog is officially relegated due to not cutting the mustard, leaving a spot open for a new regional dog to enter the competition. Race lovers can visit @Wienermobile on Instagram to cast their vote in the first-ever 'Pick Your Dog' Wienie 500 bracket where they can choose from a fresh lineup of seven new regional hot dogs or opt to give Sonoran Dog another shot at qualifying.
"The response to the first Wienie 500 was overwhelming, and we heard the fans loud and clear that they were hungry for more," said Kelsey Rice, brand communications director at Oscar Mayer. "This year, we're supercharging the experience, delivering an even bigger, bolder and more unforgettable event that puts the fans at the forefront. With amplified engagement, intensified rivalries and more surprises in store, we're giving the people what they want – an unparalleled live experience that will leave them craving more."
Many of the beloved traditions from the inaugural Wienie 500 are back for this year's race, including custom Wienermobile decals, Hotdogger racing suits, the iconic "Wiener Song" anthem and finally, the trophy presentation at the "wieners circle" podium--complete with a mustard spray and Borg-Wiener trophy. All part of an experience that only Oscar Mayer can provide, the Wienie 500 is designed to spark smiles and serve up a uniquely delightful race.
For more information, visit ims.com.
Image Courtesy of Penske Entertainment: Titus Slaughter
