I think we all have waited too long. Quebec? Colorado? Compton?

-Mel

Likely to have it in the US before Canada...

even tho Canada has more fans... and more of a turn out...
the US has the sponsors and the Rallies near the big cities...

i think it's wrong... but $$$ talks....
Canada deserves the WRC!!! definately!

but will it happen?????

dunno...
j.
www.subiegal.com

They make some vague implications/predictions on the Charlevoix
Rally website http://www.rallye-charlevoix.com/

To quote:

"Be a part of the event that will change the face of rally in North America.

The RIC has taken on a great challenge: To become a round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The presence of Tommi Makinen, Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Richard Burns, etc. in Charlevoix is a dream that all local rally fans share. Furthermore, having the World Rally Championship here will take our sport to the forefront, thus allowing our talented drivers and co-drivers to find the financial support that they need to compete at the highest level of competition."

This is a FIA sanctioned event for "observation" as I understand.

SubaruStu

SG,
I think you're on to something with the sponsors. As we both know one of the biggest reasons they add or remove certain rallys from the WRC schedule is to increase sponsor coverage. It makes much more sense to have an event in the US than Canada. More people, more consumers, more money for the sponsors. The US is a huge market and WRC becoming more popular there is great for all companies involved.
Unfortunately for us Canadians we have seen many events go to the US for this reason. No huge loss since its closer than Europe. :)

-Mel

the US bid is Cherokee Trails ProRally based in Chattanooga, TN. it was run FIA rules last year (also its inagural running) and was also "observed" by the FIA. and i got to meet Jeremy Hart :D anyway, at best, we won't have a WRC event for ~5 years. that's if we get one. many other countries are in contention as well, including Japan, who has money, sponsers, and, unlike here, fans and drivers. not to mention japanese manufacturers are a bit more influencial than ford, i would imagine.

I think there will certainly be an event here in North America. I hope that it comes sooner rather than later, as it would truly be the best thing for the sport.

It would be great to have a WRC Canada and a WRC in the U.S.A. but really either one would be great.

I know that the Rally Charleviox has had FIA people present several years running so hopefully that is a good sign!

I expect that one in Japan might also be a possibility as well.

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that North America is a huge untapped market for rally.

In the mean time, the best thing to do is to try and plan any world business travel (or personal travel) around the FIA WRC schedule. Just try really hard to keep a straight face when you find a WRC event just happens to be in the same town in Europe you are visiting

Gee honey isn't that cool! :D What an amazing coincidence!

This is easier to plan, just look for meetings and conferences related to your profession (and depending on your employer!) you are off!

Jan 17-20 : Monte Carlo Rally
Jan 31-Feb 3 : Swedish Rally
Mar 7-10 : Cyprus Rally
Mar 22-24 : Rallye Catalunya
Apr 18-21 : Tour de Corse
May 16-19 : Rally Argentina
June 13-16 : Acropolis Rally
July 11-14 : Safari Rally
Aug 8-11 : Rally Finland
Aug 22-25 : Rallye Deutschland
Sept 19-22 : Sanremo Rally
Oct 3-6 : Rally New Zealand
Oct 31-Nov 3: Rally Australia
Nov 14-17 : Rally of Great Britian

If it is all about the money and wealth in the country, the Safari rally doesn't make much sense.

Besides, they've been talking about making Charlevoix a FIA sanctioned WRC rally longer than cherokee trails IIRC. I believe they ran Charlevoix last year under FIA rules..

safari has alot of history, and its just so damn challenging they've got to keep it. i know earlier in the year there was discussion of getting rid of pace notes next year. anyone know more?

My wife works for the company that does some Marketing for Export"A" cigarettes and the extreme sports series of which the rally of Charleviox is a part and they are planning for alot of people from around the world!!!

Sponsors are paying more for the rally!!!!!

WRC is next!! (fingures crossed):D :D

The problem with a WRC rally in the USA seems to be SPONSORSHIP. Rally USA has been cancelled 2 times already.. :(

JJ
www.imprezawrxsti.com
All STi, All The Time