The Southern Ohio Forest Rally is pleased to announce that it will join the Rally America National Championship, beginning with the series’ 2017 season. The two-day event will take place on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, and will comprise Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2017 Rally America schedule.

“This is a proud day for rally fans and competitors alike,” said Jeremiah Johnson, chairman of SOFR. “It has been over 20 years since national-level rallying has taken place in Ohio, and we’re proud to add a new chapter to the sport’s heritage in our state. We’re excited to join Rally America’s already impressive calendar in 2017, and look forward to being a part of the sport for years to come.”

Featuring over 100 miles of unique stage roads, the Southern Ohio Forest Rally will be the third event on the Rally America calendar, following the traditional season-opening Sno*Drift in January and the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood in March. The event will feature the return of numerous iconic roads featured in the state’s rich rally history, which included 17 events from 1973 to 1996.

“The roads in the Ohio forest, dating back to the 1980s, were some of the best in America,” added 11-time American national stage rally champion John Buffum, who won five stage rallies in Ohio in the 1970s and 1980s. “Smooth and twisty, they were awesome for a driver!”

The inaugural Southern Ohio Forest Rally will pay full points toward the 2017 Rally America National Championship. Round 5, the Zaleski Forest Rally, will kick off the event on Friday, May 19, while Round 6, the Scioto Trails Rally, will wrap the event up on Saturday, May 20. Full details, including schedules and spectator information, will be released in the coming months.

Further updates on the first annual Southern Ohio Forest Rally, including event and volunteer information, will be posted as available at www.southernohioforestrally.com, or on the event’s official Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SouthernOhioForestRally.