Kurt Busch Backs WRC Return to USA
Kyle Busch Believes USA Could Be a Hit for WRC
Kyle Busch, a prominent figure in american motorsport, has expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of the World rally Championship (WRC) to thrive in the United States, suggesting that a home-soil event could significantly boost the sport’s profile.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, believes that the novelty and excitement surrounding recent major motorsport events in the US, such as NASCAR’s Chicago street race and Formula 1’s ventures in Las Vegas and Miami, demonstrate a strong appetite for new and engaging racing formats. He sees no reason why WRC couldn’t tap into this enthusiasm.
“It would be fantastic [to have the WRC in the USA],” Busch stated. “I think the newness of what NASCAR did with the Chicago street race and Formula 1 what they have done with Las Vegas and Miami is a hybrid street race, it brings it to city centres that wouldn’t normally be accustomed to it. Can rally do that? Absolutely, but you have to have the outlying areas for the stages to happen.”
He elaborated on the strategic considerations for a successful WRC event in the US, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and infrastructure. “I think anything new right now is an adventure and when you have the proper support behind it from the series and the manufacturers that are involved [it can work] if you are quite close to big town like that [Chattanooga] that is when you have the other nightlife and the ability for people to park and to get to where they need to go.”
Busch’s comments come as the WRC revealed its 2026 calendar, which notably does not include a US round, a decision that has sparked discussion about the sport’s global reach and potential growth markets. His viewpoint highlights the opportunities that a well-executed WRC event could unlock in the American market, leveraging the growing interest in diverse motorsport disciplines.
The appeal of WRC, with its unique blend of speed, skill, and challenging terrain, could resonate with a US audience accustomed to the high-octane action of NASCAR and the global glamour of Formula 1. Busch’s insights suggest that with the right planning and strategic partnerships, a WRC event could become a important draw, introducing a new legion of fans to the thrill of rally racing.
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