NEWPORT, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The roar of engines and thrill of world-class rally racing will return to East Tennessee this fall as the Overmountain Rally Tennessee, part of the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship Series, takes place September 19–21, 2025.

Top national and international competitors will descend on Newport and the Cherokee National Forest, bringing fast-paced, high-skill racing action to the gravel roads of Del Rio, TN, and head-to-head competitions at the Newport Speedway. Fans can look forward to two days of stage rally racing, plus two Parc Exposés, where spectators can mingle with drivers and pit crews, snap photos, and get up close to the cars.

"Rally racing is one of the most demanding motorsports in the world, and we're proud to showcase it right here in East Tennessee," said event organizer Dave Matheson. "This event not only brings top talent and excitement but also invests back into our community and the public lands that make it possible."

A Heritage of Grit and Glory
The rally's name pays tribute to the Overmountain Men, frontier militiamen who crossed rugged mountain trails and rivers to secure a pivotal victory for American Patriots at the Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolutionary War. Just as those patriots pushed boundaries, today's rally drivers test endurance, speed, and navigational skill against the clock and the terrain. While European rally racing traces back to the Monte Carlo Rally in 1911, professional stage rally racing in the United States has gained momentum only in the last 50 years. The Overmountain Rally challenges drivers with gravel forest roads, rocks, and dust, all while showcasing landscapes steeped in history and frontier toughness.

Weekend Highlights

• Friday, September 19 – Meet & Greet and Parc Exposé at Newport Speedway, followed by the thrilling Super Special Stage under the lights.
• Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 – Full days of competitive stage rallying on gravel roads in the Cherokee National Forest.
• Fan Favorites – Parc Exposés featuring stars like Travis Pastrana, action sports legend, and Aoife Raftery, international standout from Ireland's rally team.

Community Impact
Beyond the adrenaline, the rally leaves lasting benefits. Since 2019, Overmountain Rally organizers have reinvested nearly $20,000 into the maintenance of gravel roads used for competition. With the rally's growth and national recognition, organizers anticipate contributing more than $100,000 by 2029 toward public land infrastructure.

"The rally's partnership with the U.S. Forest Service has been incredible," Matheson added. "What started as a small rally on a single paved road has grown into a multi-day national event. Our goal is to continue strengthening this relationship and supporting both motorsport and the community."

Event Details
Location: Newport, TN & Cherokee National Forest
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Spectator Info: overmountain-rally.com

About the American Rally Association (ARA):
The ARA is the premier stage rally championship in the United States, showcasing top drivers, co-drivers, and rally teams on some of the most challenging and scenic routes in the country.

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SOURCE Overmountain Rally Tennessee