Speedway, Indiana (October 11, 2018)
As we put the bookend on a highly successful 2018 season, the American Rally Association (ARA) looks toward next year with the exciting reveal of its 2019 season schedule. Entering its third year, ARA continues to expand its national influence and add to its strong rally event lineup. For 2019, ARA will visit more locations than ever before with a seven event National Championship Series featuring many of the greatest stage rallies in the country.
Under ownership of the United States Auto Club (USAC) and its vast resources, ARA is operated by rally competitors and promoters with a common goal of building the sport of stage rally in the USA. Looking ahead to 2019, the focus of ARA is to enhance the fan engagement with its terrific on stage racing action. Those at the event and following along at home will benefit, with more social tools becoming available for fans and competitors alike.
ARA is excited to welcome the 100 Acre Wood Rally to be the opening round of the 2019 ARA National Championship Series. Known for fast roads and the famous cattle guard jump, the 100AW is a favorite event for both competitors and fans alike. Based in Potosi, Steelville, and Salem, MO, the rally is a staple of the region and will start on March 15, 2019.
While the National Championship is on its seasonal break, ARA staff are already involved in approving the first Regional event of the 2019 calendar – The Nemadji Trail Rally in Duquette, Minnesota on December 1, 2018. The event will be open to all ARA rally car and Side-by-Side classes and will run under 2018 rules and allow either 2018 or 2019 ARA competition licenses. The event is hoping to attract a full field.
“ARA is excited to open the 2019 championship with the 100 Acre Wood Rally,” said ARA President Doug Shepherd. “ARA has also focused on adding one-day events to its schedule so that the Regional competitors will have more choices and opportunities to participate. We feel our organization, being staffed with experienced competitors and officials, can assist event organizers in providing a superior event. We intend to grow the sport’s participation from the base while still enhancing the premier US National Rally Championship.”
In addition to the national championship, the ARA East and West division championships return with even more events on their calendars. Each national championship event will have two to three associated regional events, just as they were this year. In addition, five stand alone regional events will be run throughout the year.
Many rallies on the 2019 calendar will also play host to Side-by-Sides. The specialized off road vehicles competed this year in Idaho and at Tour de Forest to the acclaim of competitors and stage-side fans. ARA will announce further details on Side-by-Side competition at a later date.
We thank all of the competitors, teams, volunteers, fans, and sponsors that made 2018 a terrific year for rally. 2019 is looking even better.
See you in Missouri, or Minnesota if you'd like an early start.
2019 ARA National Championship Series
100 Acre Wood Rally
March 15 – 16
Olympus Rally
April 27 – 28
Oregon Trail Rally
May 31 – June 2
Idaho Rally International
June 29 – 30
New England Forest Rally
July 19 – 20
Ojibwe Forests Rally
August 23 – 24
Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally
September 13 – 14
ARA Standalone Regional Events
Nemadji Trail Rally
December 1, 2018
Headwaters Rally
Late April/Early May, 2019
Tour de Forest Rally
September 28, 2019
Show Me Rally
October 5, 2019
Nemadji Trail Rally
December 7, 2019
Photos Credit: Alex Wong
About American Rally Association (ARA)
A member-driven organization dedicated to the sport of Stage Rally, the American Rally Association provides a transparent, inclusive, and growing sanctioning body to competitors throughout America. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit and wholly owned subsidiary of the United States Auto Club (USAC), ARA is led by seasoned Stage Rally professionals who work hand in hand with an experienced Board of Directors to deliver a framework for safety, competition, promotion, and education for all aspects of the sport. The common goal of our members, volunteers, and organization is a thriving Stage Rally program in America.