Overmountain Rally Tennessee: Rally Racing Roars into Newport, Tennessee
September 18–19, 2026 | Newport, Tennessee
Start your engines! The Overmountain Rally Tennessee brings two days of high-speed national rally competition to Newport, Tennessee, September 18–19, 2026. From gravel forest roads and flying dust to jumps, hairpins and high-speed turns, this is motorsports with an Appalachian twist.
If you love cars, adrenaline and a little friendly competition against the clock, put Overmountain Rally Tennessee on your fall calendar.
What Is Rally Racing?
Rally racing is a little different from traditional track racing. Instead of competing wheel-to-wheel around a single paved circuit, drivers race against the clock over closed roads and changing terrain. Every second counts. Rally racing has a long history in Europe and has been a competitive motorsport in the United States for roughly 50 years. The American Rally Association (ARA) sanctions stage rally competitions that test drivers and co-drivers on endurance, precision, speed and teamwork.
At Overmountain Rally Tennessee, competitors will take on the gravel forest roads of Cherokee National Forest, where dust, terrain and the clock all become part of the challenge.
And these aren’t ordinary road cars. Rally vehicles start with street-legal platforms but are specially prepared with modifications designed for safety, performance and durability. Think roll cages, upgraded suspension, specialized tires and plenty of horsepower—all built to handle the punishment of rally racing.
How to Watch Overmountain Rally Tennessee
One of the best things about rally racing? You don’t have to be a racer to get in on the action.
There are several opportunities throughout the weekend to see the cars up close, meet the teams and experience the excitement.
Thursday: Meet the Cars and Crews
Get your rally weekend started in downtown Newport with the Rally Festival where rally cars will be on display and fans can get an up-close look at the machines before competition begins.
It’s a great opportunity to meet the drivers and crews, check out the cars and get ready for the weekend ahead. Free.
Friday: Forest Roads, Fast Cars and More
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 pm and 4:45 pm to 7 pm- Watch rally teams negotiate the hairpin turns and steep downhills of the course.
Head back to the Speedway for the Pit Party inspired by all things rally and offroad. Great cars, food, vendors, racing simulators, music, and you’re invited to be part of it. If your car is a standout, the Riverside crew will pull you into the track to be part of the rally culture auto gallery. Volunteers get in for free!
Saturday: Back on the Road finish Standard Energy Super Special
Saturday morning racing starts at 9 am from the Newport Speedway. Spectators can head directly to an approved forest spectator location to catch the first loop of competition. Cars return to the speedway for an evening of jumps as the rally cars take on the high banks of he Newport Speedway. A thrilling close to a weekend of high-octane racing.
.Ready for a Different Kind of Race Weekend?
Whether you’re a dedicated gearhead, a motorsports fan or simply looking for an unforgettable fall adventure in East Tennessee, Overmountain Rally Tennessee delivers something you won’t find at an ordinary racetrack.
Come for the cars. Stay for the competition. Experience the speed, dust and excitement of rally racing in Newport, Tennessee.
Mark your calendar for September 18–19, 2026, and get ready to watch the roads and the race cars fly.
