Olympus rally in Shelton WA

Contributor: Jill Andrews, 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!

Over 40 teams will be returning to the Hood Canal this year for two great rally car races with an international draw. The 2019 DirtFish Olympus Rally presented by Subaruparts.com will be over the weekend of April 27 – 28 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. Kicking off the weekend is the Parc Expose where the teams line Railroad Avenue in Shelton with race cars. Spectators have the best opportunity to meet the teams and take pictures.

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.

Spectator Area #1: Downtown Shelton, great opportunity to meet drivers , sponors, and view their vehicles before the race.

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. Here you will see see teams from around the world working on their vehicles.

“All the teams are very approachable and love the fans," remarked Marc Morgan of the Olympus Rally Committee, "this year Subaru has signed Oliver Solberg from Norway. He is only 19 years old and already at the top of this game in racing. No surprise, his dad is Peter Solberg, one of the biggest racers of his time.”

Bring your cow bells and sense of adventure For schedule visit www.olympusrally.com and follow @olympusrally on Facebook.

Olympus Rally

APRIL 27-28 SHELTON, WA

For over 40 years Stage rally has had a home in the forestry lands surrounding Shelton, WA

RACING SURFACE Hard and Loose packed Gravel ​ RALLY LENGTH (MILES) 127 competition, 199 transit

AREA LODGING

SUPER 8 MOTEL (360) 426-1654

LITTLE CREEK CASINO (800) 667-7711 SHELTON INN (360) 426-4468

CITY CENTER (360) 426-3397

AREA DINING

BLONDIE'S (360) 432-2777

EL SARAPE MEXICAN (360) 426-4294 SMOKING MO'S (360) 462-0163