Bristol Forests joins the American Rally Association for 2022 event
The Bristol Forests Rally will become part of the American Rally Association (ARA) east coast regional championship in 2022. The change comes as the rally looks to grow after a successful first year as part of the NASA Rally Sport Atlantic Rally Cup.
“Dirtfish and the American Rally Association have done a good job making ARA events appealing to domestic and international competitors, and I’m excited to bring the Bristol Forests Rally into their east coast championship. The name Bristol is a strong brand in American racing, and we have a rich motorsports heritage in Upper East Tennessee. Bristol, Tennessee hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races, a round of the NHRA Nationals, and now top-level American rallying. I believe that an ARA super regional sanction will benefit the rally in multiple aspects, and I’m excited to see what we can do for each other from a promotional perspective.”
- Dave Matheson, Bristol Forests Rally Chairman
The rally will have a new look in 2022 with new special stages and a planned second day of competition. Seamus Burke and Martin Brady won the 2021 Bristol Forests Rally with a total time of 1:39.21 over 69 competitive stage miles (an average speed of 41.8 mph) showing off the technical aspect of the roads.
Image supplied by Instagram @tougelegends
“We’re working with the National Forest Service to find some more roads suitable for competition, and we expect to have a few new special stages this year. I’m REALLY excited about those new stages too; I think the competitors will love them. We’re also working with some towns outside of Bristol to give the rally a larger footprint, and to bring the rally cars and drivers to the locals who want to meet the teams. Last year we were still dealing with COVID protocols, but this year we should be able to show the community why performance stage rally is just as exciting as the motorsports they already know and love.”
- Dave Matheson, Bristol Forests Rally Chairman
The 2022 Bristol Forests Rally will be held in May with a base of operations in Bristol, Tennessee. Details on the event and the ARA east coast regional championship schedule will be released at a later date. Information on the American Rally Association can be found at ara-rally.com.