The drivers and teams were ecstatic, the roads were praised, and the event was of the highest class according to FIA and WRC Promoter. Fifty cars and drivers from Europe (and even New Zealand!), along with their long-distance fans, competed for victories in various classes. Despite tough international competition, it was a Nordic success. Oliver Solberg won on home soil in his private VW Polo. Isak Reiersen won the junior class in his Ford Fiesta. And Petter Solberg was fastest in the Rally Legends display class, with his mother Tove as co-driver.

And what a party it was, especially at the iconic Colin’s Crest. On one of the hottest days of the summer, the forest glade was filled with thousands of rally and party-thirsty fans. We truly had a Royal Rally Party, and this year we’re taking it a few steps further.

New arenas and royal after rally

To heighten the festive atmosphere even more for this year’s edition, the competitions will start on Thursday with an inauguration and a unique first stage that finishes at the new BAUHAUS Arena around the main sponsor’s store at Välsviken Shopping Centre in Karlstad. A city-close rally arena that is easy for everyone to follow, where all with a rally ticket also ride the city bus for free. The iconic Colin’s Crest Arena is of course back and this year as Friday’s highlight, where we will also attempt long jumps with motorcycles! And SS Mölnbacka, a brutally fast stage, has taken on the role of the new Power Stage Arena, with the final part passing a dance pavilion beautifully located by a lake.

At our arenas, fans will be treated to not only dazzling rally but also live broadcasts on big screens, great speakers, autograph signings, hands-on activities, and artists like Lucianoz, Transfer, and Götz Kalas. And of course, the Olsson Brothers will serve delicious dishes from the grill, a Beer Garden, and VIP hangouts. Evenings will conclude with Royal After Rally at Olssons Bazar at Inre Hamn in Karlstad where live music, DJs, and summer parties with rally pulse are promised every day.

Rally Legends on all Stages

Nostalgic Rally Legends expands from ten to twenty cars and they will drive all of Friday’s and Saturday’s stages between the ERC classes’ two rounds. This means there will be more rally on all stages and more fans will have the opportunity to enjoy both the elite competition and the wings of history.

We are eager to get started, last year left us wanting more and now we are fired up to really kickstart what we are sure will be the highlight of the year for Scandinavia’s rally fans – The Royal Rally Party. Welcome!

Glenn Olsson
CEO, BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia

Johan Saxne
Marketing Director, BAUHAUS