AOIFE RAFTERY Headlines Overmountain Rally’s Return to East Tennessee

September 12, 2025

• While the Overmountain Rally promises a solid showcase of American rally racing September 19-21 in East Tennessee, the real draw for us is seeing AOIFE RAFTERY take on the Cherokee National Forest’s gravel roads. The Irish standout represents the international talent we need more of in American rally—drivers who bring that European rally pedigree to show what this sport can really be.
• The event offers everything rally fans want: challenging forest stages, a Super Special Stage under lights at Newport Speedway, and those crucial Meet & Greet opportunities where RAFTERY and other competitors will be accessible to fans. It’s refreshing to see an event that actually prioritizes fan interaction instead of keeping drivers locked away in corporate hospitality tents.
• Beyond the racing, the Overmountain Rally demonstrates how motorsports can actually benefit local communities—they’ve contributed nearly $20,000 toward road maintenance and plan to hit $100,000 by 2029. This kind of partnership between racing and public lands shows other series how to be good neighbors rather than just rolling through and leaving tire marks.

american rally association, cherokee national forest, newport speedway, rally racing