BLACK BEAR RALLY 2026 SET FOR FAST GRAVEL ACTION IN ONTARIO

BLACK BEAR RALLY 2026 OPRC ECRC ROUND PREVIEW

The 2026 Black Bear Rally will take place on Saturday 8 August, bringing competitors back to the familiar gravel roads of Ontario for a fast and technical one-day event counting toward both the Ontario Performance Rally Championship (OPRC) and the Eastern Canadian Rally Championship (ECRC).

Hosted by the Maple Leaf Rally Club, the rally headquarters will be based at the Cavendish Community Centre, with competitive action focused on the Quarry and Loom Lake Road stage areas.

The event will feature eight special stages run entirely on closed gravel roads, linked by transit sections with controlled time allowances. The format continues the traditional Black Bear Rally structure, known for its combination of smooth, fast sections and tighter technical segments.

Organisers describe the 2026 route as a return to the rally’s core identity, offering drivers a mix of flowing gravel roads and more demanding twisty sections designed to test precision and pace.

Black Bear Rally 2026 will serve as the third round of the OPRC season and the fourth round of the ECRC campaign, making it a key mid-season event for both regional championships.

All rally operations, including administration and service area activity, will be based at the Cavendish Community Centre throughout the event.

The Maple Leaf Rally Club welcomes competitors and spectators back to one of Ontario’s established gravel events, with the rally continuing its tradition of accessible competition and classic Canadian rally terrain.

KEY POINTS

• Black Bear Rally 2026 takes place on 8 August in Ontario.

• Event counts toward OPRC and ECRC championships.

• Eight gravel stages will be run on closed roads.

• HQ located at Cavendish Community Centre.

• Stage areas include Quarry and Loom Lake Road.

• Organised by Maple Leaf Rally Club.

• One-day format with transit sections and time controls.

• Focus on fast and technical gravel rally stages.

QUOTES

"Black Bear Rally 2026 returns to its traditional gravel roads, offering a mix of fast and technical stages for competitors in Ontario."

"The event continues to be a key round in both the OPRC and ECRC championship calendars."