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.

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.

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