CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — High-performance engines will echo through the hills of Southern Ohio this week as the Southern Ohio Forest Rally (SOFR) returns from June 11 to June 13 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
What began a decade ago as an ambitious effort to bring stage rally racing back to the state has evolved into one of the largest and most prestigious rally events in North America. This year, the milestone race is expected to draw a massive crowd of competitors, racing teams, media members, and spectators from across the United States and around the world.
Unlike traditional track racing, stage rally features high-performance cars racing against the clock on closed, demanding roads cutting through dense woodland terrain.
“This event has become much more than a race,” said Brent Short, PR/Media Director for the Southern Ohio Forest Rally. “It showcases Southern Ohio to visitors from all over the country, fills local hotels and restaurants, and brings thousands of people into our communities each year.”
A Decade of Growth and International Powerhouses
The caliber of competition at SOFR has shifted dramatically over its 10-year history. In its inaugural years, only a handful of top-tier cars made the trip to Ohio. Today, the rally routinely features many of the fastest teams on the continent, including elite drivers with international racing experience.
Major global automotive manufacturers will be well-represented on the gravel and dirt paths this weekend, with teams piloting specialized rally vehicles from:
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Hyundai
- Mini
The event also brings global eyes to the region, receiving international broadcast and online media coverage that showcases Southern Ohio’s natural landscapes and local hospitality to a worldwide audience.
2026 Spectator and Race Schedule
Fans will have multiple opportunities to view the cars up close and catch the high-speed action across three distinct regional hubs throughout the weekend:
- Thursday, June 11 (Chillicothe): The event kicks off with the public Parc Exposé, where fans can view the cars and meet drivers, followed by the City Park Stage racing event.
- Friday, June 12 (Shawnee State Forest): Teams head deep into the wilderness for a full day of grueling competition stages.
- Saturday, June 13 (Zaleski State Forest): The rally concludes with a final round of competitive forest stages and a secondary Parc Exposé.
Community Driven Success
Organizers emphasize that hosting an international-scale event on public land requires a massive, coordinated effort. The 2026 rally is made possible through direct partnerships with local municipal communities, volunteer corner marshals, regional land managers, corporate sponsors, and local law enforcement agencies.
For complete spectator maps, safety guidelines, daily schedules, or to sign up for volunteer positions, organizers direct the public to visit the official event website at www.southernohioforestrally.com.
