The two companies worked in tandem until the end of the 2004 season, when the SCCA withdrew its involvement in U.S. stage rallying.

The SCCA then made the decision to sell all commercial and sanctioning rights to Rally America.

In 2005, the inaugural Rally America National Championship was run, incorporating most of the events previously sanctioned by the SCCA.

Rally America did not maintain manufacturer scoring or provide recognition for vehicle successes.

Most cars are selected by their drivers or teams with the vast majority being entered without any special involvement by their manufacturers.

The Subaru WRX STi version of the Impreza vehicle, had already become the most numerous competitive rally car in North America.

In the hands of competitive drivers, the Evo proved a challenge to the larger quantity of WRXs, often edging into top three finishes.

Driven by Tanner Foust, Ken Block and Brian Deegan, three open-class Ford Fiestas were dominant (two of the three claimed podium positions) throughout the weekend.

Block, the eventual winner, praised the car, while Foust has said he would like to see a factory-backed Ford Racing team competing regularly in Rally America.