The unmistakable roar of 24 International Race of Champions (IROC) race cars will echo through the hills of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca once again during the 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, set for Aug. 13-16. This landmark appearance marks the historic reunion of all seven generations of IROC cars in one place – offering fans a rare glimpse into one of motorsport’s most iconic spec series.
Founded in 1973 by racing pioneer Roger Penske, IROC was designed to pit the world’s top drivers against each other in identical race cars. IROC ran for 30 seasons (1974-2006) and featured champions from NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing to determine the “best of the best.” In period, IROC only raced at Laguna Seca on two occasions, with Al Unser winning in 1978, and then-reigning Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti scoring victory in ’79.
Now, thanks to IROC co-owner, the renowned former NASCAR team boss and crew chief Ray Evernham, and support from collectors and former champions, the series will be celebrated in full scale at Monterey. The event brings together machines once piloted by legends such as Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott, Scott Pruett, and Danny Sullivan. Al Unser Jr., a two-time IROC champion, will serve as Grand Marshal of the IROC class.
Among the standout vehicles on track:
- A 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR, originally raced by F1 world champion Denny Hulme and NASCAR superstar David Pearson.
- A 1975 Chevrolet Camaro, campaigned by ’76 IROC champion A.J. Foyt, IndyCar star Johnny Rutherford, and F1 world champion James Hunt.
- Zak Brown’s 1978 Camaro, once driven by 1986 IROC champion Darrell Waltrip and F1 world champion Alan Jones.
- A golden 1985 Camaro IROC-Z, with NASCAR legend Bill Elliott behind the wheel again.
- A rare 1990 Dodge Daytona, rebodied from a two-time winning Camaro, that has been in Roger Penske’s private collection until early 2025.
- Bruce Canepa’s 1995 Dodge Avenger, famously driven by NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt.
- A 2006 Pontiac Firebird, which helped Tony Stewart secure IROC’s final title.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the premier historic racing events in the U.S., will feature more than 400 period-correct race cars across 14 competitive groups. This year’s IROC celebration offers an unmatched combination of legendary drivers, championship history, and rare vintage race cars – cementing its place as a must-see for collectors, enthusiasts, and motorsport purists alike.
