The gravel roads of northwest Colorado are set to host a major milestone in American rally racing, as Rally Colorado officially joins the 2026 American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship calendar. Just announced, the event will serve as Round 5, scheduled for July 18-19, replacing the Oregon Trail Rally in a strategic shift that elevates the series' Western offerings. Previously a staple of the ARA West Regional Championship, Rally Colorado steps up to national prominence, drawing on its reputation for sweeping, high-speed stages amid the rugged terrain near Rangely.
The event's unique blend of technical challenges and scenic vistas—often dubbed for its "dino vibes" due to the area's proximity to Dinosaur National Monument—has long attracted competitors and spectators alike. Organizers say the promotion reflects the rally's growing popularity and the ARA's commitment to diversifying its eight-round national lineup across 13 states.
ARA Series Manager Preston Osborn highlighted the momentum behind the change in a statement: "Across every aspect, American rally is gathering momentum. For 2026, we’re excited to honor tradition with some long-standing favorites on our calendar, and to continue the diversification of the series by welcoming Rally Colorado to the National championship."
Osborn's comments underscore a broader resurgence in the sport, with the full 2026 schedule featuring 23 events, including concurrent Super Regionals to bolster regional participation. The news comes on the heels of a thrilling 2025 edition of Rally Colorado, held in July as a Super Regional qualifier. Rally legend Travis Pastrana, driving a Subaru WRX ARA25L in the Limited 4WD class, secured second place overall with a total time of 2:05:29.3, trailing winner Ryan Booth by just over four minutes.
Pastrana, a multi-time X Games medalist and rally icon known for his Subaru campaigns, praised the event's spectator-friendly format and unique roads in post-race interviews, noting its potential to draw bigger crowds at the national level.
Rangely, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts in Rio Blanco County, has embraced the rally since its inception in 2017, transforming dusty backroads into a festival of speed with parades, autograph sessions, and family-friendly viewing spots. Local officials anticipate the national upgrade will boost tourism, much like the event's role in highlighting the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway.
As preparations gear up, competitors—from seasoned "Subaru slingers" to newcomers—are already marking their calendars. With the ARA's East, Central, and West Regional calendars also confirmed, 2026 promises an action-packed season culminating at the Lake Superior Performance Rally in October.