Bristol Forests Returns in 2023

The Team O’Neil Bristol Forests Rally (BFR) will return as a Super Regional on May 6th, 2023, after a successful first year with the American Rally Association (ARA). The Johnson City, TN based event will be part of the ARA East Regional Championship along with the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, New England Forest Rally, and the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally.

“Our first Bristol Forests back in 2021 was really successful. About as smooth as you could ever hope for in year one of an all-new event. We had a lot of new people in new roles really step up and perform at a high level. This last event [2022] we had some staff turnover at key positions and had to completely change how we do a lot of things because of the move to the ARA, so it was an equally difficult feat to pull it off again. I’m proud of the accomplishment of two successful years, but also looking forward to a year of progression without wholesale changes!”

-David Matheson, Chairman

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Bristol Forests Rally successfully introduced an all-new 4.3-mile stage in 2022 and the team is hoping to include two more all-new stages in 2023.

“Moving from three to four stages was a big step for our team. From the prospective of active stages at one time, it’s more difficult to manage. I was proud of our stage crews, course cars, and net control for a job well done. Only one stage was appreciably delayed due to an SOS being displayed. Our team is really excited to organize another high-level stage rally in Northeast Tennessee.”

-Andrew Frick, Clerk of the Course

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The Team O’Neil Bristol Forests Rally continues to give back to the community in the form of roadwork in the National Forest and local economic impact. As a result of the first two events, forest service roads have been improved, trash removed from the forest, and local hotel rooms filled.

“The BFR organizing team is very grateful to our partners in the Cherokee National Forest that believed in us and see the positive impact rally can have on their road system. Before every rally we allot as much time as possible to grading and improving the roads where the rally takes place. Over the last two years we’ve made great progress in reducing the number and severity of potholes, washouts, washboards, and mud bogs on our local forest service roads - not to mention the amount of trash our volunteer stage teams pick up every year! These improvements help everyone that enjoys recreating in the Cherokee National Forest from hunters to bikers. We’re supporters of all types of outdoor recreation, and we’re happy to give back any way we can.”

“We’re also excited to continue our partnership with Visit Johnson City! They recognized the potential in the Bristol Forests Rally and really highlighted the 2022 event to improve local visibility.”

-Whitnee Matheson, Partnerships and Promotion

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More information including the supplemental regulations, spectator guide, and lodging information will be released in early 2023. Keep up with the Bristol Forests Rally on social media, and check out Team O’Neil Rally School at teamoneil.com!