Tres Racecars at Penske Racing Museum

 

Tomaso poses in front of three iconic Penske Racing Cars. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

This photo was taken many years ago during one of my annual visits to the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. It features the iconic Yellow Submarine made famous by Rick Mears, who won the  1984 Indianapolis 500 aboard it. Mark Donohue’s 1974 Penske PC1 Formula 1 chassis, sponsored by First City National Bank. And Mario Andretti’s IROC VI Championship winning Camaro, Sweet!

 

Not sure why I’ve kept this old Autoweek article’s link upon Ye Gory Confuzer forever? But without Mark Donohue, there would be no Team Penske! And it’s a good look back at Penske Racin and Donohue’s beginnings…

 

In Search of Team Penske Racing legend Mark Donohue

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel

PRM: Bad Arse’ IROC Camaro

1979 Mario Andretti IROC Camaro. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Guessing many forget that Mario Andretti once drove for El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske. Including wielding this Bad Arse IROC Camaro when capturing the 1978-79 IROC VI championship!

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

PRM: Bad Arse’ IROC Camaro, Take 2

1979 Mario Andretti IROC Camaro, Side view. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Is this the car that Roger Penske Jr drove at the recent Historic IROC Class reunion this August during the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca?

 

Photo C/O Blogmeister’ Miguel 

RETRO: Seven Generations of IROC Racecars invade Monterey

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… 

RETRO: An Obscure look back upon the International Race Of Champions

Which once, truly featured a host of International Drivers…

 

Ran across an article in Car & Driver Magazine via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone service. As try saying that fast five time, Undelay!

 

The article was by CD’s Elana Scherr, and begins with Her querying Pretty boy Floyd’, aka Jeff Gordon, who’d just finished fourth in that year’s Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s IROC class, about who were the best drivers in the world? With Gordon replying “That Argument will never be Solved”. As rightfully, how can one compare thee Pinnacle ‘O Motorsports, nee Formula 1 vs. NASCAR? Whilst IndyCar as typical, is overlooked…

 

Hmm, how come nobody ever mentions how RASSCAR is imitating CART? Going for the diversity of multiple racing venues, i.e.; Short Tracks, Super Speedways, Road Courses and Gasp, Street Circuits, Just Sayin’

 

How IROC tried to find the Best Drivers in the World

 

Since until stumbling upon this August 31st article, I was totally unaware that the just concluded Monterey Motorsports Reunion had featured a staggering 24 car IROC field.

 

The International Race Of Champions (IROC) was created by Les Richter, whom was the longtime manager of Riverside International Raceway. Worked for NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. (ISC) Along with playing in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, wearing the number 48. Plus El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske and Mike Phelps. With the format of drivers from around the world, and different racing disciplines competing aboard identically prepared racecars.

 

The first year’s champion was appropriately Mark Donohue, who’s “Day Job” was driving for Penske. With IROC I commencing on October 27, 1973 in California. Which hosted the first three rounds over the weekend of October 27-28.

 

Donohue led Peter Revson, (F1) Bobby Unser, David Pearson, George Follmer, A.J. Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi, (F1) Denny Hulme, (F1) Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Gordon Johncock and Roger McCluskey in the standings.

 

“Captain Nice”, (Donohue) won the inaugural title based on prize money won over the four races. Three held at Riverside International Raceway. With the finale held on Valentines Day upon the Daytona International Speedway’s infield road course.

 

Donohue won $54,000 in the only year that IROC was contested solely on road courses. Along with the solitary season that Porsche 911 Carrera RSR’s were used. With a total of three drivers representing Formula 1, including two World Champions.

 

Year two, 1974-75 saw for F1 drivers competing, i.e.; Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Graham Hill and Jody Scheckter.

 

As a total of seven eventual F1 World Champions would participated over the first seven years thru 1980. With the aforementioned Fittipaldi, Hulme, Hill and Scheckter. Being joined by James Hunt, Mario Andretti and Alan Jones.

 

After a three year hiatus, IROC VIII began its running of a single year format in 1984. Beginning on June 16th at Michigan International Speedway. (MIS) Followed By Burke Lakefront Airport, (July 7th) Talladega Super Speedway. (July 28th) And then returned to MIS (Michigan) for the finale on August 11th.

 

As all four rounds served as “Undercard”, i.e.; support races held on Saturday. Preceding their respective racing series, i.e.; NASCAR and IndyCar. And were televised on CBS, before shifting to ABC/ESPN in 1987 for the remainder of competition.

 

Yet the tide had shifted in 1984. Being the first time the series hosted zero Formula 1 drivers. With Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx both representing World Sports Prototype Championship. Whilst EMMO’ (Fittipaldi) had become a CART/PPG IndyCar World Series driver instead.

 

As the field was comprised of five NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and five CART/IndyCar drivers, plus the two aforementioned Sports Car drivers for that year’s field of twelve participants. With NASCAR’s Cale Yarborough winning the Championship.

 

And although it lacked any Foreign drivers, the 1989 running of IROC XIII was certainly a Who’s Who of drivers! Featuring ‘Ol superTex’, nee A.J. Foyt and The King, aka Richard Petty leading the way. With Petty being joined by fellow Roundy round’ drivers ‘Ol Ironhead, thee Intimidator, (Dale Earnhardt) eventual IROC XIII Champion Terry Labonte, rusty Wallace and “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”. (Elliot)

 

Foyt led the IndyCar ranks, joined by Rick Mears, (  ‘lil al (Unser Jr and ‘Ol Hollywood, aka Danny Sullivan.

 

Scott Pruet represented IMSA Camel GTO. Whilst Hurley Haywood from SCCA Pro Racing Trans Am and Geoff Brabham from IMSA Camel GTP rounded out the Tintops’ ranks.

 

As I’ll confess that I only perused the first 16 running’s of IROC for my compilation of Foreign drivers, most notably curious about Formula 1 participants. Which as of the 1992 IROC XVI, I believe that Martin BillyBob’ Brundle was the last Foreign competitor, also the last Formula 1 driver to contest what once was truly International…

 

I believe that Folklore claims it was ‘Ol Ironhead’, aka thee Intimidator’, ergo Dale Earnhardt whom gave Brundle the moniker of Billybob’ after Brundle won at Burke Lakefront Airport? Although I don’t know the exact christening of His nickname, since perhaps it came upon Brundle’s first IROC Oval experience at Talladega Super Speedway?

 

As Brundle finished third overall in 1990, behind only Earnhardt and Vice Champion ‘lil Al’, aka Al Unser Jr. Whilst I believe that only Brundle and EMMO’, nee Emerson Fittipaldi were the only two Foreign drivers to win a round of IROC. With Fittipaldi winning the second round of IROC II at Riverside on October 26, 1974.

 

Guessing I last watched IROC during the mid to late 1980’s, before it became totally RASSCAR’ Centric! For which the series rightly garnered criticism for, especially the last ten years of competition! With the final IROC championship featuring seven NASCAR drivers…

 

Mark Martin won a series leading five titles, including a Hat trick between 196-98. With Dale Earnhardt winning three times, while Al Unser Jr, and A.J. Foyt won twice. With Unser Jr being the last no NASCAR IROC Champion in 1988.

 

The Unser’s, ergo Big Al and son ‘lil Al appear to be the only Father-Son duo who raced together between 1986-91. Along with being the first of two Father-Son duo’s to win IROC Championships. The other being Bobby and Davey Allison.

 

Whilst Terry and Bobby Labonte appear to be the only brothers to win the Championship, which spans from 1973-74 to 2006.

 

As you could argue that the short lived Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series between 2021-23 tried to rekindle the majic of IROC. While I suppose its only logical that Ray Evernham heads today’s Historics IROC series, which hopes to race a few times each year… 

RETRO: Doin' thee IndyCar Time Warp'

Tomaso posing with just three of the many racecars on Display at the Penske Racing Museum during Fall 2019 visit. ((The Tomaso Collection)

"In Another Dimension, Time's Fleeting, Madness Takes Control! It's Just A Jump to the Left, Put your Hand's on your Hips, Let's do The Time Warp again..."

Once again, your Humble No Fenders Scribe Tomaso's burrowin' down another Wabbihole', which Y'all should really be used to by now, El Correctomundo?

As several thoughts struck me upon returning to my Numero Uno Arizona Haunt in Scottsdale; Uhm, can Y'all guess what it is? Yeah, it's the Penske Racing Museum, which I first learned of its existence via that long ago, Defunct TV Show called Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain. When Ye 'Ol Windbag' held court with El Capitano', nee Roger Penske live from thou museum Wayback circa 2005; Aye Karumba!

Cannot recall the last time I stepped foot into the museum, albeit several years ago now, while I'll admit I had mild reservations 'bout going this past November since I knew I would most likely not be able to see the cars, although I've seen most of them previously, especially several of the "Classic" Indianapolis 500 winners, i.e.; 1972, 1984-85-87-88, etc.

But what I enjoy most 'bout visiting, is there's always something new I haven't seen before on display, which case in point was the Mario Andretti 1979 Championship winning IROC Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. For which I'll confess I was momentarily Cornfuzed by...

As I pondered out loud to my museum Sherpa, No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel that I didn't think 'Ol SuperMario', nee Mario Andretti drove for Thee Captain that season since I knew he was busy defending his Formula 1 World Championship title for Lotus that year.

Mario Andretti's 1979 Championship winning IROC VI Camaro. ((The Tomaso Collection)

Although it Hit Me like A Two Ton Heavy Thing! Last May whilst the Media focused Magnanimously upon the 50th Anniversary of Mario's lone Indianapolis 500 victory, it was his eventual Team Penske replacement Rick Mears 40th Anniversary of his first of Four Indy 500 Wins! Which seems to have gone largely unnoticed.

As Y'all might enjoy my take upon Team Penske's racing pursuits, albeit labourisly Scribbled here on No Fenders now a Decade ago; Crikeys! Hmm, may be a sequel's warranted?

Penske's Willpower'

And perhaps I missed another Memo? As I've also now realized that it was also 40 years ago being the final season of McLaren Racing's exploits in IndyCar's.

Which I suppose I'm thinking of this largely due to that Mario IROC Camaro and the year 1979, Righto? although may be Thars' Somme-thun' eluding to that in the following video? That I Don't recall having watched last year when McLaren touted it's return to IndyCar with the No. 66 on its flanks.

VIDEO: Route 66 - McLaren Racing's return to Indianapolis

Having previously chronicled the exploits of McLaren's original IndyCar endeavours in another of my many No Fenders tomes...

McLaren at Indy

Continuing on this Wayback' theme, although I thought it prior to the occasion. Perhaps it's just Mwah, but isn't it ironic with the Official Completion of Roger Penske's purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, January 6th. After the Shock announcement of this transaction late 2019.

Ironically, one of the Key Figures in the formation of then rival IndyCar Series CART, nee Championship Auto Racing Teams, which held its Debutante Season in 1979 was also a one Mr. Penske!

As we All know that CART would Feud with somebody with the initials TG', and his rival Indy Racing League, Most famously when Tony George infamously Decried his 25-8 Rule favouring his IRL Brethren at his family's hallowed Speedway in what ultimately became known forever as The Split!

And then four decades later, Shuhzamm! He'd sell the Whole Kit 'N Caboodle, nee Mother Speedway, the IndyCar Series and IMS Productions to El Capitano'; Strange Days indeed. As what A Waste!

Formation of CART: Dan Gurney's White Paper

Lastly, speakin' of Roger, McLaren and the number 66. I left the museum ponderin' if the Mark Donohue Porsche Carrera RSR I've seen previously there, albeit not on display this time round, perhaps was Donohue's 1974 IROC Championship winner?

Which I'm now 100% totally convince it is, as it's Funny how when I previously saw the 911 Panzerwagon I never wondered what it was? Or its significance in the scheme 'O Donohue's career, especially since it's his final Championship winning racecar.

But since I'm Not a RASSCAR' Fan! Which is essentially what I recall the IROC Series evolving into, I'm guessin' this had some unknown Knock-on effect upon my previous lack of Curiosity, perhaps?

And for those who Don't Know, Donohue, who won Penske's first Indianapolis 500 in 1972 did so in an McLaren M16 Offenhauser with the No. 66 on it.

Remembering Penske's first racer Mark Donohue - 40 Years after...

And if Fernando Alonso does indeed run the third Arrow McLaren SP Dallara-Chevrolet IndyCar at Mother Speedway this May, will it once again sport the No. 66 this time in the correct hue of Kiwi Orange?

NOTES

Let's Do the Time Warp Partial Song Lyrics taken from The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie, 1975.

Racecars trio photo includes: Rick Mears 1984 #6 Pennzoil Special March 84C/Cosworth Indy 500 winner, Mark Donohue's 1974 #28 First National Travelers Checks Penske PC1/Cosworth DFV Formula 1 chassis, and the aforementioned Mario Andretti 1979 IROC Camaro.

(Photos c/o No Fenders Blogmeister' Miguel)