The Wild West Rally came back to Pomeroy this weekend, bringing 21 cars and three motorcycles to participate in a two-day rally car race.

Certain roads in and around the city of Pomeroy were blocked off to make lanes for the drivers and their vehicles. The event will continue to take place in Pomeroy for the next three years, said Alesia Ruchert, event organizer and managing director of Garfield County.

“Rally is a great spectator sport to attend,” she said. “We’re really excited to be able to bring this to Garfield County again.” The 66-mile race course featured a series of stages for the drivers. Accompanying them on the road was their co-driver, who acts as a navigator. The co-drivers were provided with detailed notes on the course.

“There are many different types of cars at the event, generally any car small and fast,” Ruchert said before the race. “One new element that is added this year are the three motorcycles who’ve signed up to race alongside the vehicles. It will be an interesting race.” In addition to the fun and excitement of a rally car race, Garfield County and the city of Pomeroy made money from the event, Ruchert said.

“But besides that, rally enthusiasts from all around the country will be coming into Pomeroy to enjoy the day,” she said. “On Saturday morning, there was a chance for spectators to talk to the drivers and see the vehicles on display. A lot of people who came were able to get information on even becoming a driver.” This weekend’s Wild West Rally was categorized as a regional rally where drivers compete for points that go toward their national standings. First-place drivers received a winning plaque and possible equipment or endorsement deals from sponsors who attended the event.

While Pomeroy hosted the event, the Wild West Rally was organized by the Pacific Rally Group, and in particular, John Forespring, the rally chairman manager for the event. The Wild West Rally is one of his favorite events, he said.

“On Friday night there was a welcome party for the drivers, their crews, organizers and volunteers,” Forespring said. “It’s kind of a rare thing for all the people involved to be able to get together like that. It’s like we’re a part of one big family.” He said safety for the drivers and spectators is the number one concern during the weekend.

Forespring, who has been organizing events for 36 years, said he knows the fun and excitement of a rally car race because he himself is a driver.

“I own five rally cars myself in various stages of repair,” he said. “This is an addictive sport. To the WSU students who came down this weekend, I hope they walked away with an appreciation for the skilled drivers and a greater appreciation for the sport.”