Full Schedule and Key Dates for the 2026 American Rally Association Championship
The American Rally Association has officially released its ARA 2026 Calendar, confirming eight National rounds and a total of 23 events across 13 U.S. states. The upcoming season promises an exciting mix of snow, gravel, and tarmac stages that will test drivers, co-drivers, and teams to their limits throughout the year.
Below is the complete schedule for the 2026 ARA National Championship, including confirmed dates and host regions.
ARA 2026 National Championship Calendar
| Date | Event | Location | Surface | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 7–8, 2026 | Sno*Drift Rally | Atlanta, Michigan | Snow / Ice | National |
| March 13–15, 2026 | Rally in the 100 Acre Wood | Salem, Missouri | Gravel | National |
| April 24–26, 2026 | Olympus Rally | Shelton, Washington | Gravel / Forest | National |
| June 6–8, 2026 | Southern Ohio Forest Rally | Chillicothe, Ohio | Gravel / Mixed | National |
| July 11–13, 2026 | Rally Colorado | Rangely, Colorado | Gravel / High Altitude | National |
| August 15–17, 2026 | Ojibwe Forests Rally | Detroit Lakes, Minnesota | Gravel | National |
| September 12–14, 2026 | Overmountain Rally | Bristol, Tennessee | Gravel / Tarmac Sections | National |
| October 17–19, 2026 | Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) | Marquette, Michigan | Gravel / Mixed | National Finale |
Regional Series Overview
In addition to the National events, the ARA 2026 Calendar includes multiple Regional Championships—East, Central, and West—covering an additional 15 events. These rounds offer valuable competition experience for teams building toward national participation. Dates and locations for regional rounds will follow the traditional structure:
- East Region: Early-season snow and gravel rallies
- Central Region: Mixed-surface summer rounds
- West Region: Technical mountain gravel stages
Highlights of the 2026 Season
- Rally Colorado joins the National Championship for the first time, offering high-altitude, fast-flowing mountain stages.
- Olympus Rally expands to a three-day format with longer competitive mileage.
- Lake Superior Performance Rally closes the season once again as the Championship Finale in October.
- The schedule maintains a balanced distribution across the U.S., ensuring diverse rally conditions from snow-packed Michigan to the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Summary
The ARA 2026 Calendar brings together some of the most iconic and demanding events in North American rallying. With eight National rounds and a strong regional foundation, the 2026 season will challenge every aspect of driver preparation, mechanical reliability, and team coordination.
For competitors planning international participation or driver development programs, understanding the ARA 2026 Calendar is essential to structuring an effective training and testing plan aligned with the season’s unique terrain and timing.
