IROC HISTORY
The International Race of Champions (IROC) series was a unique and prestigious motorsport competition that ran for several decades, aiming to bring together the best drivers from various racing disciplines to compete in identically-prepared cars at some of the world’s most legendary race tracks.
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The IROC series was founded in 1973 by Roger Penske, Les Richter, and Mike Phelps. The idea was to create a championship that featured top drivers from different racing disciplines, such as NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing. The goal was to determine the "champion of champions" by placing competitors in identical race cars.
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IROC is remembered as a unique and prestigious series that brought together some of the greatest drivers in motorsport. The concept of identifying the "champion of champions" remains a memorable aspect of racing history.
Cars & Format
IROC used purpose-built, identical cars to eliminate any advantage based on equipment. The early years featured Porsche Carrera RSRs, and later the series transitioned to Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Daytonas, Dodge Avengers and Pontiac Trans Ams. The cars were maintained and prepared by a dedicated team to ensure equality among competitors.
Drivers
IROC invited the best drivers from various racing series, ensuring a diverse and competitive field. Champions from NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing were regularly included, creating an eclectic mix of talent.
Venues
IROC races were held at a variety of tracks, including oval circuits, road courses, and street circuits. This diverse selection of venues tested the drivers' adaptability and skill across different racing disciplines.
PAST CHAMPIONS
1974 - Mark Donohue
1975 - Bobby Unser
1976 - A.J. Foyt
1977 - A.J. Foyt
1978 - Al Unser
1979 - Mario Andretti
1980 - Bobby Allison
1984 - Cale Yarborough
1985 - Harry Gant
1986 - Al Unser, Jr.
1987 - Geoffrey Bodine
1988 - Al Unser, Jr.
1989 - Terry Labonte
1990 - Dale Earnhardt
1991 - Rusty Wallace
1992 - Ricky Rudd
1993 - Davey Allison/Terry Labonte
1994 - Mark Martin
1995 - Dale Earnhardt
1996 - Mark Martin
1997 - Mark Martin
1998 - Mark Martin
1999 - Dale Earnhardt
2000 - Dale Earnhardt
2001 - Bobby Labonte
2002 - Kevin Harvick
2003 - Kurt Busch
2004 - Matt Kenseth
2005 - Mark Martin
2006 - Tony Stewart
IROC CAR GENERATIONS
Over 30-plus years, the IROC Series featured eras of four different OEM brands.
Porsche Carrera
1973-74
Chevrolet Camaro
1984-89
Pontiac Firebird
1996-2006
Chevrolet Camaro
1974-76
Dodge Daytona
1990-93
Chevrolet Camaro
1977-80
Dodge Avenger
1994-95