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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.

Hyundai Motorsport has solidified its commitment to the World Rally Championship, confirming its continued involvement for the 2026 season. This announcement comes after months of speculation about the Korean manufacturer's future in top-tier rallying, particularly following its decision to enter the World Endurance Championship with its Genesis brand starting next year. The current regulatory environment, coupled with the team's strong recent showings, played a pivotal role in this decision. However, the long-term trajectory of Hyundai's WRC program beyond 2026 remains a subject of anticipation as the sport prepares for a significant overhaul of its technical regulations in 2027.

Hyundai Extends WRC Commitment Amidst Regulatory Evolution

In a significant development for the World Rally Championship, Hyundai Motorsport formally declared its commitment to participate in the 2026 season. This definitive statement was made on the eve of the highly anticipated Rally Finland, a fitting backdrop for such an important revelation. Cyril Abiteboul, the president of Hyundai Motorsport, emphasized that this decision underscores the positive momentum the team has garnered in recent competitions and acknowledges the crucial support from the FIA regarding the current regulations. He further noted that this extension provides the team with valuable time to strategically plan for the future of Hyundai Motorsport, especially with the introduction of new technical regulations for the 2027 WRC season looming on the horizon. The FIA, through its technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon, reassured stakeholders that the Rally1 technical regulations would remain in effect through 2026, and crucially, confirmed that two additional homologation 'jokers' would be granted to all Rally1 teams. These 'jokers' will allow manufacturers greater flexibility in developing and enhancing their vehicles, addressing requests from across the participant spectrum and fostering a competitive environment.

This announcement from Hyundai provides a much-needed sense of stability for the WRC, demonstrating continued manufacturer interest in the series. It highlights the importance of collaboration between governing bodies and participating teams in shaping the future of motorsport. The strategic allocation of additional development opportunities, or 'jokers,' by the FIA is a thoughtful measure, indicative of a responsive regulatory approach that aims to maintain competitiveness and innovation. This period of transition leading up to the 2027 rule changes will be a fascinating time for the WRC, as teams will undoubtedly be pushing the boundaries of their current machinery while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the next generation of rally cars. It will be intriguing to observe how Hyundai and its rivals leverage these development allowances to gain an edge, setting the stage for an exciting future in the world of rallying.