Spectator guide
We’re glad you’re interested in spectating at the Overmountain Rally! The spectator guide is posted below.
It’s worth mentioning that volunteers actually get a better vantage point than spectators, free lunch, and event swag. We hope you’ll consider contributing to the event as a volunteer!
Spectator Safety
Safety is the top priority for the Overmountain Rally, whether that be the safety of competitors, volunteers, or spectators. It is important for spectators to adhere to the safety guidelines below to keep themselves safe as well as those around them.
Always keep your own safety in mind
Park in a safe place that does not block traffic flow
Vehicles parked on the rally stage may be towed
Follow Marshall’s instructions
Observe and obey all event signage
Pick up your trash and help keep our forests clean
Stay within the official spectator areas
Keep off of the rally stage
Be alert and aware of your surroundings
Cars may run wide on corners
Cars may cut corners
Cars may throw up stones/debris
Failure to follow Marshall directions may lead to pausing or cancellation of the stage and spectator dismissal
Finding your way around a rally as a spectator can be at times challenging. Using features found within the On X Offroad app, we can help you cross that navigational barrier and get you out there to see more. We have shared spectator maps below via the folder share feature within the app for an enhanced rally experience.
The app must be downloaded to your device to view the maps! Use promo code OVRMTN25 to get 20% off membership purchases.
Friday September 19
Friday spectating locations / TIME: 10:00 am - 10:30 pm
Spectating starts FAST with an action packed Friday at Newport Speedway! The day starts with rally team load in, pit area setup, and tech and contingency from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Parc expose’ (rally car show) and ‘meet the crews’ starts at 6:30 PM, and the head-to-head Super Special Stage on the high banked Newport Speedway kicks off at 9:00! It’ll be a late night under the lights watching the rally cars fly off the jumps and rip donuts on the high banks!
General Admission: $20
Tier Parking: $40/ car
Kids <12: $10 / Kids < 5: FREE
Saturday September 20
Saturday spectating locations / TIME: 9:00 am - 9:30 pm
OnX Offroad Spectator Map: Saturday, September 20th
There are multiple great ways to see rally action on Saturday! Start the day with by meeting the drivers at the Parc Expose’ at Newport Speedway from 9:00 - 10:00 AM or get out to a spectator location early to see the cars on the first loop. Weaver Bend spectator points on Saturday are captive - meaning that you will not be able to come and go as you wish. If you go to the Weaver Bend spectator point early to catch the first loop, plan to stay there for the second loop. We can not accommodate massive movements of spectators between the stages. If you choose to attend the morning Parc Expose’, plan to go to the Wasp spectator point to attend on the second loop. Follow the directions below to get to the stages. Its important to FOLLOW THE DIRECITIONS PROVIDED. We ask you to go a certain direction for a reason.
Rally cars will be back at Newport Speedway at 1:00 pm. Service area spectating is available for those that want to see the skilled service crews in action. Pit passes are included with the general admission of $20.
Saturday spectating ends with a service starting at 6:30 PM at spectator stage on the high banked Newport Speedway at 7:30 PM. Saturday track action includes jumps, hairpins, and a donut barrel! Pit passes are included with the general admission of $20. Tire parking is $40/ car.
Wasp (35.83318, -82.95092)
Times: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm/ 4:45 pm - 7:15 pm
DO NOT BLOCK THE ROAD. This is an emergency evacuation route, and must be kept clear!
Wasp spectator area 1 is the only non-captive spectating area on the rally, and is the best option for Saturday viewing for those that might not want an all-day commitment. Spectator 1 is at the intersection of Round Mountain Rd and FSR 96 at GPS coordinate 35.83319, -82.95052. The preferred access point is from the northwest on Round Mountain Rd. To get here, follow highway 25 from Newport toward Del Rio. Turn right at SR 107 in Del Rio and continue until you arrive at the parking area on Round Mountain Rd.
Wasp spectator area 2 is hike-to only, and accessed via Walnut Mountain Trail connecting Round Mountain Campground and Rattlesnake Gap. THERE IS NO PARKING AT RATTLE SNAKE GAP. This spectator point is HIKE TO ONLY. There is NO PARKING on FSR 96 (Wolf Creek South). Vehicles parked in non-designated areas may be towed and will cause rally delays or potentially cancelled stages.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
Weaver Bend (35.94409, -82.93324)
Times: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/ 4:40 pm - 8:00 pm
The Weaver Bend viewing area has the most available parking and is a much shorter drive to access than Wasp. From the viewing area on the bridge, you’ll see the cars take a fast left hander down the hill and onto tarmac. It’s a beautiful place to spend the day as well with Brush Creek rushing under your feet and the French Broad river off to the left. The 1 mile hike from the parking area to one of the three walk-to spectator areas near Allan Branch Pond will be well worth the effort. Viewing here will be exhilarating since this is the fastest section of the whole rally!
The preferred access point is from the south off of Highway 25. From Newport, take Highway 25 until the left turn onto Weaver Bend Rd. The road at this point will close by 9:00 am. If you arrive late and are directed to not proceed onto the road, you will still be able to turn around and go to the Wasp spectator location.
There is no spectator parking at Allan Branch Pond.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
Saturday Newport Speedway Spectator Stage
Times: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Rally cars will be back at Newport Speedway at 1:00 pm. Service area spectating is available for those that want to see the skilled service crews in action. Pit passes are included with the general admission of $20.
Saturday spectating ends with a service starting at 6:30 PM at spectator stage on the high banked Newport Speedway at 7:30 PM. Saturday track action includes jumps, hairpins, and a donut barrel! Pit passes are included with the general admission of $20. Tire parking is $40/ car.
Sunday September 21
Sunday spectating locations / TIME: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
OnX Offroad Spectator Map: Sunday September 21st
There will be one stage available for spectating on Sunday. All forest spectator points on Sunday are captive - meaning that you will not be able to come and go as you wish. If you go to a spectator point early to catch the first loop, plan to stay there for the second loop. We can not accommodate massive movements of spectators on the stages. If you choose to attend the morning Parc Expose from 8:30-9:00, plan to stay at the speedway to see service or spectate the second loop. Follow the directions below to get to the stages. Its important to FOLLOW THE DIRECITIONS PROVIDED. We ask you to go a certain direction for a reason.
Rally cars will be back at Newport Speedway at 1:00 pm. Service area spectating is available for those that want to see the skilled service crews in action. Pit passes on Sunday are $20.
Max Attack Patch (35.83721, -82.95681)
Times: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm/ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Max Attack Patch spectator area 1 is a great place to spend the day. After parking and walking ~0.1 miles up Round Mountain Rd to the Round Mountain Campground, you’ll be treated to a great viewing area and campground amenities like restrooms, tables, and grills. If you’re coming here, plan to be parked on Boomer Den Rd by 9:00 am! The preferred access point is from the northwest on Round Mountain Rd. To get here, follow highway 25 from Newport toward Del Rio. Turn right at SR 107 in Del Rio and continue until you arrive at the parking area on Round Mountain Rd.
The road to this point will close at ~ 9:00 am. If you arrive late and are directed to not proceed onto the road, you will still be able to see the cars pass by the marshal point. Just stay there until the stage is clear, and the marshal will allow you to drive to the designated parking location before the next loop.
Max Attack Patch spectator area 2 is another great location to catch the action. This area has some limited parking available on FST 96 (Wolf Creek South), but is also only a 0.7 mile hike from the Designated parking area on Boomer Den Rd. We recommend parking early on Boomer Den Rd and hitting both these locations for the two loops of the day! It’s a great way to end a great rally weekend.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.