In what must have truly been an Amazing sight to
Behold! Wit no seven wonders Jokes here…
This August, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s
massive “roll Call” of evocative racing machinery featured the once, highly
popular International Race Of Champions (IROC) Class. With the series competing
between 1973 to 2006.
Although 26 entries were listed, it appears
that only 24 cars actually competed. With Dario REO Speedwagon Franchitti
strangely being listed as the driver of two entries, Huh? With the latter 1977
IROC Camaro, and Carlos de Quesada’s 1974 Porsche 911 both having
“goose-egg’s”, Err 0 laps completed for the 10 lap event.
This staggering field of IROC History was represented
by 11 IROC Pontiac Firebirds ranging from years 1996 to 2006.
A further 8 Chevrolet Camaros from 1975-85 were
joined by 4 Dodge Avengers. (1984-95) A
solitary Dodge Daytona (1990) and two 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s.
Although I’m
Arse-suming the year noted for vehicles above represents their corresponding
year of IROC Championship. Since the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s were from 1973…
Although I subsequently learned that the first
seven series were bi-annual events, before switching to single year format in
1984.
Ray Evernham who worked as a mechanic during
the IROC era, noted this was the first time ever that all seven generations of
IROC racecars were present at once. Beginning with the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR
during the inaugural 1973-74 season. Colloquially known as IROC I.
This was followed by production based Chevrolet
Camaros fitted with rollbars and other enhancement the next two seasons, ending
in 1976.
Next, the series turned to tube frame “Silhouette”
Camaros built by the legendary Banjo Mathews between 1977-78. Culminating in
1980, with the conclusion of IROC VII.
The series returned in 1984 with the arrival of
the new Camaro IROC Z, which body style competed for five years, before the
introduction of the Dodge Daytona body style in 1990
For 1994, IROC introduced the Dodge Avenger
Body, which raced for two years before the arrival of the Pontiac Firebird,
which raced until the series demise at the end of 2006.
Seven
Generations of IROC racing at Monterey
As these IROC racecars have staggering Driver
history behind them! Ranging from Formula 1, IndyCar, Sports Cars and NASCAR,
which I recall tuning out of this racing series when it became NASCAR centric
during the end of its lifetime. Better known as the RASSCAR’ Invitational!
Losing interest after ‘Ol Ironhead’ v ‘lil al, ergo Dale Earnhart vs. Al Unser
Jr era.
Yet just one example of some of these racecars
provenance is Zak Brown’s pristine 1977 Banjo Mathews “GEN-3” (third
generation) Camaro. Having been raced by NASCAR Champions Cale Yarborough and
Darrell Waltrip. Along with Actors Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Gene Hackman and
James Brolin all having driven it during a Media Day at Sonoma.
Ran across the following ten-plus minute video of
Marshall Pruett doing a “Grid Walk” with Ray Evernham perusing the various
entries for this year’s Historic IROC Class at Laguna Seca…
VIDEO: Star
Studded IROC field Steals the Show at Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Especially loved the “Bit” Evernham recants
about Niki “The Rat” Lauda getting the call from Uncle Bernaughty’, nee Bernard
Charles Ecclestone to not compete in the IROC event He was entered in.
Yet being contractually obligated to compete.
Lauda went ahead and burnt His car’s clutch to the ground, and Presto Chango, problem solved!
As this year’s Historics race had a bevy of
Stars participating. With six NASCAR Drivers competing, i.e.; Mark Martin, Bill
Elliot, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte and Ken Schroeder.
IndyCar was represented by the aforementioned
Dario Franchitti, Scott Pruett and Danny Sullivan. Although Pruett’s more
widely known for His Sports car prowess. Along with Bad Arse Patrick Long also representing
Sports Cars.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown, Scott Borchetta and
Roger Penske Jr headed the “Celebrity” roll call, with other “gentlemen”
drivers making up the field.
As Brown and William “Chip” connor II traveled
farthest from Across thoust Gory Puddle, i.e.; Bloody England.
For the initial season of IROC I, 1973-74, 15
identical Porsche 911 RSR’s were ordered from Weissach in a rainbow of colours.
As Connor’s 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR in
Mexican Blue has a great pedigree. Having been raced in IROC I by 1967 F1 World
champion Denny Hulme, “The Silver Fox”, aka Three-times NASCAR Champion David
Pearson; second All-time NASCAR career wins with 105. And USAC Champ Car driver
Roger McCluxkey.
On an interesting sidenote. Originally ‘Ol
superTex’, nee Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr had declined to participate in IROC I due
to it being contested only on road courses.
Yet Foyt ultimately competed as the Wee Scot’,
aka Jackie Stewart’s replacement. After Sir Jackie had immediately retired from
racing following the death of Tyrrell F1 teammate Francois Cevert at Watkins
Glen.
Kurt Busch claimed the fastest lap of 1:35.112
aboard a ’03 Pontiac Firebird on the race’s final lap. While two other drivers
behind the keyboards of 2006 Pontiac Firebirds finished ahead of Busch.
Dario Franchitti finished second, while a
relatively forgotten name won. As Tony Drissi, a longtime Trans Am driver from
the early Ought’s stood atop the podium.
Drissi, who runs a Hollywood Advertising
Agency, was the 1999 Trans Am rookie Of the Year, and the 2009 Trans Am
Champion. Who currently competes in the SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am series, a
quarter century later…
Jeff Gordon was fourth, while impressively,
Scott Borchetta was fifth. Patrick Long was sixth, followed by Danny Sullivan
and Bobby Labonte. With the Top-10 rounded out by the unknown Ross Merrill and David
Roberts.
Scott Pruett (P11) led Zak Brown in 12th. With
Bill Elliott P14, Mark Martin one spot behind and Kenny Schroeder P19.
Interestingly, it appears that only 23 cars participated, since 2009 F1 World Champion Bloody Jense’, aka Jenson Button was listed with 0 laps completed. While I just wish I could find a video of this race…
