MEXICO — Start your engines, race fans. The speed, thrills and excitement of the New England Forest Rally return to the region this Friday and Saturday.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the rally, a two-day event featuring high-powered sports cars driven by some of North America’s best drivers tearing through Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire on dirt and gravel roads.

The race serves as the final round of the Rally Car National Championship Series. It is one of six national championship rallies that take place around the United States.

It holds special importance for many top-notch participants, such as last year’s champion Antoine L’ Estage of Quebec and Bethel’s own two-wheel-drive star Chris Dupless, because the race is a key warm-up event for the X Games.

Once again the headquarters for the rally is the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry. Spectators view the race at strategic spots along the course. As always, the Forest Rally is free of charge for all spectators.

The resort will feature rally related activities such as a barbecue, live music and the Parc Exposes, which features NEFR teams driving their cars in parade order onto a field where competitors mingle with fans.

The Mexico stage of the rally on Friday is specially designed to bring the excitement of the rally directly to the fans. Between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. rally cars will pass through the Mexico Recreational Park twice. Spectators will see a flying jump that sends cars hurtling through the air.

Historically, good-size crowds attend the New England Forest Rally. Last year an estimated 2,000 gathered at the Mexico Recreation Park to watch the excitement.

The pre-rally activities begin on Wednesday with an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. B’s Village Store at 122 Main St. in Peru, to meet NEFR racers Verena Mei and Tim O’Neil, who will be driving Verena Team O’Neil Ford Fiesta rally car.

For more information, visit the NEFR website at www.newenglandforestrally.com.

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The New England Forest Rally Schedule

Wednesday, July 13

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Meet Verena Mei and Tim O’Neil, NEFR racers and check out their Team O’Neil Ford Fiesta rally car.

Thursday, July 14

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.: Autograph session with various NEFR teams at the Phoenix House and Well at 9 Timberline Drive in Newry.

6  – 11 p.m.: Pre-event rally party at the Phoenix House and Well. The party will feature an outdoor barbecue.

Friday, July 15

10 – 11:30 a.m.: Parc Expose at the Sunday River Ski Resort South Ridge base area.

11:31 a.m.: Sunday River Super Special. Best viewing is to walk from the South Ridge base area down to Barker Road.

12:41 p.m.: First pass, Mexico Recreation Park.

1:20 p.m.: Second pass, Mexico Recreation Park

1:35 – 2:20 p.m:  Service area open at Mexico Recreation Park.