Olympus Rally has been a Northwest tradition for the last 40 years. This family friendly event includes top competitors from all over the world. Viewing area throughout the course.
The Olympus Rally has a rich rally history as being one of the only rallies in U.S. to have world acclaim. It began in 1973 as part of the SCCA Pro Rally Championship, and quickly became known for its long, tortuous, and twisting stages. Some of the stages exceed 25 miles in length, so long in fact that it was common for weather to be vastly different from beginning to end of the stage.
Olympus Rally stirs up some dust
Contributor: Jill Andrews, JillAgain Travels (2019)
Spectator Area 2018 photo credit JillAgain Travels.
First you hear a distant rev of an engine, then dust above the horizon, next the spectators closer to the action ring their cow bells and the car emerges over a jump and into a 180° drift turn and is gone. This is Rally Car Racing on the Hood Canal and it is awesome!
On Saturday morning at 8:00am, cars and drivers will be on Railroad Avenue for the PARC Expose before heading to the Ridge Motorsports Park for the rally itself. In addition to the Ridge, you can find another six locations for spectators throughout Mason County. Check out their spectator guide for times, locations, and more: https://www.olympusrally.com/spectators
Over 40 teams will be returning to the Hood Canal this year for two great rally car races with an international draw. The 2022 DirtFish Olympus Rally presented by Subaruparts.com will be over the weekend of April 23 – 24 with multiple events around Shelton, WA to entertain all ages of race fans. This is the 3rd stop on a national tour for the American Rally Association.
The original Olympus Rally was held in 1973. After taking a hiatus through 80-90’s, the rally returned in 2006 and has been pulling more teams and spectators every year. In 2018 the race was featured on Discover’s “Shifting Gears” with Aaron Kaufman.
There are no grandstands. Olympus Rally is known for its long and twisting stage roads, some in excess of 25 miles. Some stages cover so much ground, the weather can be different at the beginning and end of a stage. The rally is a test of endurance, both for the cars and the driver's mettle. A world class stage rally event, Olympus has seen competitors from around the globe come and compete to be the fastest in the Olympic Forests.
This is a fun adventure in accessing the viewing locations through nearly 200 transit miles of gravel roads lacing through the hills around Shelton. Race maps and details about the weekend events are available in early April at the local Les Schwab and locations around Shelton.
The racing action takes place on Green Diamond Resources forestry land. Spectators should plan for weather, bringing a chair, water and snacks as the conditions are pretty primitive – but definately front row! Wear clothing and footwear to match the rugged terrain.
There are 3 great viewing locations along the race course that will be highlighted in the program. Race Officials ask that you please leave no trace behind when you leave spectator areas. Also, to ensure these events can continue, be respectful to the neighbors surrounding the race viewing areas.
In addition to the race course, spectators are encouraged to enjoy the main spectator area where the title sponsor, DirtFish Driving School, will be offering hot dogs, chips & soda for donations to their charities along with event merchandise for sale.
Bring your cow bells and sense of adventure For schedule visit www.olympusrally.com and follow @olympusrally on Facebook.
Check out their spectator guide for times, locations, and more: https://www.olympusrally.com/spectators