The International Race of Champions (IROC) was a unique auto racing competition that captured the imagination of motorsport fans from 1973 until its closure in 2006. Created by Les Richter, Roger Penske, and Mike Phelps, IROC was designed to be the motorsports equivalent of an all-star game, bringing together top drivers from various racing disciplines. Despite its promising start and the excitement it generated, the series eventually folded due to financial
difficulties.
The Birth of IROC
The concept of IROC was developed in 1972 by David Lockton, the developer of the Ontario Motor Speedway. The series officially launched in 1973, with the first championship taking place in 1974. Mark Donohue, a prominent driver of the time, won the inaugural championship driving Porsche Carrera RSRs. The series was unique in that it featured identically-prepared stock cars, which were set up by a single team of mechanics. This setup aimed to level the playing field and make the competition a pure test of driver skill.
IROC was initially run on road courses, with the first three races held at Riverside International Raceway and the final race at Daytona International Speedway. The series quickly gained popularity, attracting top drivers from various racing disciplines, including Indy cars, NASCAR, and sports car racing.
Challenges and Changes
Despite its initial success, IROC faced several challenges over the years. The series was not held in 1981, 1982, or 1983, which interrupted its momentum. Additionally, the series was often criticized for being dominated by NASCAR drivers, as the majority of races were held on oval tracks. This criticism was not unfounded, as the share of NASCAR invitees grew over time, with NASCAR drivers often winning the championship.
In 2004, the series underwent a significant change when Diageo became the title sponsor, replacing True Value. The cars were painted identically in white, with trim colors representing the drivers' regular racing series. Despite these changes, the series struggled to maintain its financial stability.
The End of an Era
By 2006, IROC was facing significant financial difficulties. The series could not secure a sponsor for the 2007 season, leading to the postponement of the first two races. Despite hopes of returning in 2008, the series was unable to find a sponsor and ultimately went out of business in March 2008. The series auctioned off its tools, equipment, cars, and memorabilia, marking the end of an era in motorsport.
The legacy of IROC lives on in the memories of fans and drivers who appreciated the unique challenge it presented. In 2021, former IROC champion Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham launched the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a series inspired by the IROC concept, ensuring that the spirit of IROC continues to influence the world of motorsport.
