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IROC Cars And Stars Set To Compete At Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion In August 2025
The International Race of Champions (IROC) is set to make a grand return to the West Coast after more than two decades. From August 13-16, 2025, 24 IROC race cars will join the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This event will showcase all seven generations of IROC cars together for the first time.
Roger Penske, a renowned figure in motorsports, originally conceived the IROC series. It was designed as an automotive all-star event where top drivers competed using identical vehicles. The upcoming event features racing legends like Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Bobby Labonte. Al Unser Jr. will be the Grand Marshall.
The 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was chosen for IROC’s inaugural series due to its speed and reliability. Fifteen cars were ordered in various colours for better TV viewing. Chassis 0075, painted "Mexico Blue," was driven by Denny Hulme, Roger McCluskey, and David Pearson during the 1974 series.
In 1975, IROC switched to Chevrolet Camaros due to cost concerns with Porsches. These Camaros were modified with roll cages and enhanced mechanical parts. A notable race at Daytona in 1975 saw A.J. Foyt narrowly lose to Bobby Unser in one of IROC's closest finishes.
The 1978 Chevrolet Camaro marked a shift towards safety with a tube frame chassis for superspeedways like Daytona and Michigan. Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip drove this model to victory. Hollywood stars also tested it during a media day at Sears Point Raceway in 1977.
By 1984, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z both on tracks and in showrooms as an upgraded street car trim package. Bill Elliott will drive the 1985 Camaro he used to win at Daytona in 1988, a car also piloted by Dale Earnhardt and others.
Evolution of Iconic Models
The transition from General Motors led to Dodge Daytonas being used post-1989 season. Scott Pruett's Dodge Daytona began as an IROC Camaro that won races in Michigan and Daytona during the mid-80s before being rebodied as a Dodge Daytona.
The 1995 Dodge Avenger started as a Gen 3 Camaro before becoming a Dodge Avenger after its stint as a Dodge Daytona. Driven by legends like Emerson Fittipaldi and Dale Earnhardt, it now sports an Orange livery reminiscent of Earnhardt's championship-winning car.
Pontiac Firebird's Final Lap
In 1996, IROC adopted the Pontiac Firebird model. Rob Kauffman will drive the Firebird that Tony Stewart took to victory twice in the 2006 season, helping him clinch the final IROC championship title.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will feature over 400 historic race cars competing across various groups throughout the weekend. Tickets and VIP packages are available online or via phone for those interested in attending this historic gathering of racing legends.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is celebrated globally for its challenging track layout nestled among scenic hills in Monterey, California. Managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, it continues to host premier racing events annually while offering thrilling experiences for fans worldwide.
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