NASCAR Champion Kurt Busch Advocates for WRC's American Return After Finnish Rally Experience
NASCAR champion Kurt Busch recently immersed himself in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at Rally Finland, an experience that profoundly convinced him of the series' potential for success in the United States. Despite the recent announcement that the WRC's return to American soil has been delayed until at least 2027, Busch remains a staunch advocate for bringing rally racing to a broader American audience, believing it holds significant appeal.
The celebrated 2004 NASCAR Cup champion and 2017 Daytona 500 victor embarked on his inaugural WRC encounter in Finland, a discipline he has long admired. His previous foray into rallying dates back to 2014, when he competed in the Monza Rally Show piloting an M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta RS WRC. This most recent visit provided a firsthand glimpse into the intricacies and excitement of the sport, particularly when he rode alongside Rally Estonia winner Oliver Solberg during a shakedown in Solberg's Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 machine.
Busch reflected on his thrilling ride with Solberg, drawing parallels and contrasts with his NASCAR background. He remarked that the rally car's agility and the precise maneuvers executed by Solberg were a stark revelation. Unlike the heavy, track-hugging NASCAR vehicles, rally cars, with their all-wheel drive and lighter build, appear to float over the terrain, gracefully navigating jumps, twists, and turns. He expressed profound respect for Solberg's intuitive anticipation of corners, a stark difference from the tire management and asphalt grip focus prevalent in NASCAR.
His visit coincided with the WRC's calendar announcement for 2026, which revealed a further postponement of the U.S. event. Nevertheless, the FIA maintains its optimism for a 2027 debut in North America, marking the first time since 1988 that the WRC would compete there. Busch views this as an opportunity to introduce something fresh and exciting to the American motorsports landscape, akin to NASCAR's successful Chicago street race or Formula 1's ventures into Las Vegas and Miami.
Busch highlighted the strategic importance of hosting WRC events near major urban centers, emphasizing the need for accessible "outlying areas" for the rally stages while leveraging city amenities for spectators. He asserted that with adequate backing from the series and manufacturers, a U.S. rally could thrive, offering a unique blend of high-octane racing and spectator engagement.
The blend of speed, precision, and the raw challenge of diverse terrains that define rally racing left an indelible impression on the NASCAR veteran. This firsthand experience reinforced his belief that the World Rally Championship possesses a unique and captivating allure, one that would undoubtedly resonate with motorsport enthusiasts across the United States. The prospect of witnessing these dynamic machines navigate challenging stages, combining elements of raw power with intricate handling, promises a compelling spectacle that could captivate new audiences and solidify the WRC's global footprint, especially with a renewed focus on American expansion.