The American Rally Association is embarking on a groundbreaking project that could reshape rally racing in the United States while revitalizing one of Kentucky’s most economically challenged regions. Backed by a $7.4 million ARISE grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the new National Rally Training Center will be built in Owsley County, Kentucky. This ambitious facility is expected to transform both the sport’s infrastructure and the community’s economic landscape, placing Appalachia firmly on the motorsports map.
Key Highlights
$7.4 million ARISE grant funds the new National Rally Training Center in Owsley County, Kentucky.
Facility to include a 60,000-square-foot building and 1.4-mile off-road course.
Part of the Appalachian Overland Triangle to boost motorsports tourism across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Expected to create jobs, attract investment, and provide new skills training.
Scheduled to open in 2026 with potential for future expansion.
Building a Hub for American Rally Racing
The ARA’s new training facility will address long-standing challenges in U.S. rally racing, particularly in recruiting and developing skilled officials and event crews. Spread over 200 acres near Booneville and adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, the center will feature a 60,000-square-foot building with shop bays, classrooms, and technical infrastructure, along with a 1.4-mile off-road course. This combination will allow for hands-on training for drivers, co-drivers, and technical teams, as well as testing grounds for manufacturers and professional rally teams.
“ARA’s mission is to advance the sport of stage rally in the U.S., and a big part of doing that is assisting our event organizers in recruiting, training and retaining the people who make it all possible. The ARA National Rally Training Center will give us a base of operations to share knowledge, safely practice skills and ensure we have a world-class rally workforce ready to execute events as the sport scales up.” – Lance Smith
The Appalachian Overland Triangle Vision
The National Rally Training Center will serve as the anchor project for the Appalachian Overland Triangle (AOT), a multi-state initiative spanning Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. Managed by Backroads of Appalachia, the AOT aims to replace lost coal industry jobs with motorsports tourism, adventure activities, and regional events. Each rally, training seminar, and motorsport competition hosted at the center is expected to bring an influx of visitors, benefiting local lodging, restaurants, and service providers.
“The Appalachian Overland Triangle is more than a motorsports project—it’s a regional movement to create opportunity through adventure. By leveraging the natural terrain and cultural pride of Appalachia, the AOT will establish a new identity for the region as the undisputed home of American grassroots motorsports—and a model for how recreational infrastructure can drive rural prosperity.” – Erik Hubbard
Economic Impact and Opportunities
The construction and operation of the center will bring substantial benefits to Owsley County and surrounding areas. Local workers will gain new employment in construction, facility management, and tourism services. Additionally, the center’s educational programs will provide technical skills training for young people, creating long-term career opportunities within motorsports and event management. The facility will also host OEM testing, which could attract manufacturers and technology partners, driving investment into the region.
Safety, Technology, and Future Growth
In addition to rally training, the center will focus on road mapping and safety initiatives. This includes surveying and preparing public access roads for competitive use, ensuring environmental responsibility and community cooperation. By offering a professional, controlled environment for vehicle testing and team preparation, the center will elevate the standards of American rally racing. With its size and flexibility, the facility is poised to grow alongside the sport, potentially hosting other events such as hillclimbs, UTV races, concerts, and SCCA RallyCross competitions.
News in Brief: ARA Launches National Rally Training Center in Kentucky
The American Rally Association will establish a $7.4 million National Rally Training Center in Owsley County, Kentucky, funded by an ARISE grant. The 200-acre site will include a 60,000-square-foot facility and 1.4-mile off-road course, serving as a hub for training rally officials, teams, and OEM testing. As part of the Appalachian Overland Triangle, it aims to revive the local economy through motorsports tourism and job creation. Opening in 2026, the center will transform both U.S. rally racing and Appalachian economic prospects.
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