Today, the American Rally Association (ARA)—the largest rally series in the United States and the country’s only national championship for the sport of stage rally—announced a big step forward for 2025 and beyond.
The American Rally Association (ARA) is accelerating into 2025 with groundbreaking developments poised to reshape the future of stage rally in the United States. From a new multiyear agreement with the United States Auto Club (USAC) to the expertise of RallyForward, led by rally legend Lance Smith, the country's largest high-performance rally series is gearing up for growth, accessibility, and an unprecedented season.
RallyForward Takes the Wheel
Founded by Vermont SportsCar visionary Lance Smith, RallyForward is on a mission to elevate stage rally in America. Under a new multiyear agreement, the organization has taken over promotional rights for ARA events, including the prestigious eight-event National Championship, along with the East, Central, and West Regional Championships. USAC will continue to manage critical competition aspects, such as licensing, rules, and insurance, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining consistency for drivers, teams, and organizers.
Smith’s passion for the sport runs deep, with decades of success, including managing Subaru Motorsports USA operations and achieving multiple championships. Now, he's channeling his winning formula into growing the American rally landscape.
“I love everything about rally racing, and the sport has been extremely good to me over the years; I want to return the favor,” Smith shared. “My goal is to make rallying more accessible, exciting, and sustainable for everyone—organizers, teams, fans, and partners alike."
Kubota Tractor Partnership Powers the Future
Highlighting the exciting developments for 2025, Kubota Tractor Corporation is joining the fray as the Presenting Sponsor of the ARA National Championship, marking one of several new strategic partnerships. Kubota, known for its heritage in land management equipment, is now the Official Land Management Equipment of ARA, bolstering the series alongside longtime supporter Subaru of America.
“American rally offers an unmatched blend of high-performance adventure and marketing value,” remarked Preston Osborn, ARA Series Manager. “Kubota’s partnership demonstrates the growing interest in our sport, and we look forward to welcoming them, along with their dealers and customers, to the rally community.”
The partnership comes at a time of rapid growth for the sport, with heightened interest from automotive manufacturers, tire companies, and domestic and international rally organizations. However, Osborn emphasizes strategic reinvestment, ensuring that the experience improves for everyone involved—whether competitors, fans, or sponsors.
The 2025 ARA National Championship Schedule
The 2025 ARA National Championship, officially presented by Kubota, promises an electrifying season for fans and competitors. The eight-event schedule covers diverse terrains, offering world-class challenges for production-based cars. Here’s the full lineup:
- February 7-8 – Sno*Drift Rally (Atlanta, Michigan)
- March 14-15 – Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (Missouri)
- April 12-13 – Olympus Rally (Washington)
- May 16-18 – Oregon Trail Rally (Oregon)
- June 12-14 – Southern Ohio Forest Rally (Ohio)
- August 21-23 – Ojibwe Forests Rally (Minnesota)
- September 20-21 – Overmountain Rally Tennessee (Tennessee)
- October 17-18 – Lake Superior Performance Rally (Michigan)
This carefully crafted schedule showcases thrilling locations, from snow to gravel, offering fans a blend of high-stakes competition and scenic beauty.
Rally’s Bright Future
With RallyForward steering promotional efforts and partnerships like Kubota Tractor Corporation fueling its momentum, the American Rally Association is poised to reach new heights. The 2025 season represents more than just a championship—it’s a statement about rally’s growing presence in motorsports culture and its potential to inspire the next generation of drivers, teams, and fans.