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The Return of IROC: Can the Revived Series Recapture Its Glory at Laguna Seca?

Publisher by Publisher
December 22, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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The Return of IROC: Can the Revived Series Recapture Its Glory at Laguna Seca?

The IROC race at the Daytona International Speedway Friday February 16, 2001 proved to be some of the most exciting racing this week as cars go 4 wide entering turn one during the early stages of the race. Dale Jarrett had to let off the gas and yield to the group so he could get off of the apron of the track and on to the banking into the turn.

 The International Race of Champions (IROC), a motorsports phenomenon that thrilled fans from 1973 to 2006, is roaring back to life—but with a modern twist. Thanks to the efforts of NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham and former NASCAR Cup Series team owner Rob Kauffman, IROC has been reborn under IROC Holdings LLC. The revival kicked off this past July at Lime Rock Park, bringing together a mix of nostalgia, legendary cars, and motorsport icons.

And now, as excitement builds for the next IROC event at Laguna Seca in 2025, one name is stealing the spotlight: Zak Brown, head of McLaren Racing and a motorsport superfan with a penchant for motorsport history.


Zak Brown and the Iconic Yellow #15 Camaro

Zak Brown, fresh off McLaren’s 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship win, is gearing up to showcase a true piece of IROC history at Laguna Seca: the legendary yellow #15 Generation 2 Camaro. This isn’t just any car—it’s the same vehicle that Cale Yarborough drove to victory at Riverside in 1977, defeating icons like A.J. Foyt and Jody Scheckter.

This car has a pedigree most racing machines can only dream of. Besides Yarborough’s triumphs, it’s also been driven by legends like Darrell Waltrip and even featured in a Paul Newman-led feature, “A Lap Around Riverside,” on ABC Sports. Brown couldn’t contain his excitement, sharing his plans on social media:

“So pumped that they’re bringing back the iconic IROC series. I recently acquired this Cale Yarborough/Darrell Waltrip IROC car that won at Riverside, the racetrack I grew up going to. Can’t wait to get it out on the track at the Monterey Historics!”


The Revival of a Legendary Series

IROC, known for pitting the best drivers across motorsport disciplines—Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and more—on equal footing in identical cars, was the ultimate test of driver skill. The original series saw champions like Mark Donohue, Mario Andretti, and Dale Earnhardt battle it out, creating a legacy that still resonates with fans today.

The revived IROC has tapped into that spirit, debuting with events like the 60-minute SpeedTour All-Star Race, featuring stars from across motorsport. The series has also embraced its history, inviting owners of original IROC cars to participate—a move that’s already attracted fans like Zak Brown.


Can IROC Recapture the Magic?

While nostalgia is a powerful force, the revived IROC faces the challenge of recapturing the magic of its glory days. The motorsport landscape has evolved significantly since the series’ heyday, and fans now have access to a broader array of racing formats and disciplines. However, the unique appeal of IROC remains intact: leveling the playing field to highlight pure driver talent.

The inclusion of motorsport legends and iconic cars at Laguna Seca in 2025 could reignite fan interest and bring back the series’ prestige. With a venue as historic as Laguna Seca, known for its thrilling Corkscrew turn, and the participation of motorsport luminaries like Zak Brown, the stage is set for an unforgettable event.


Zak Brown: A Catalyst for IROC’s Future?

Zak Brown’s involvement adds a significant boost to the revived series. As a major figure in global motorsport, Brown’s enthusiasm for IROC—coupled with his acquisition of one of the most iconic cars in its history—could help bridge the gap between past and present fans. His decision to bring the yellow #15 Camaro to the event underscores the potential of IROC to be more than just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a celebration of motorsport’s rich history and enduring appeal.


What to Expect at Laguna Seca

The 2025 IROC event at Laguna Seca promises to be a showcase of motorsport legends, historic cars, and thrilling competition. Fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and cutting-edge racing, with the revived series aiming to honor its roots while carving out a new place in today’s motorsport landscape.

 

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