IROC at Indy

IROC at Indy was an auto race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, from 1998 through 2003, as a support race to the Brickyard 400. It was part of the International Race of Champions series, and served as the season finale each of the six years it was run.

IROC at Indy
International Race of Champions
VenueIndianapolis Motor Speedway
First race1998
Last race2003
Distance100 miles (160 km)
Laps40
Most wins (driver)Mark Martin (3)

In March 1992, IROC drivers Dave Marcis and Dick Trickle were invited to test at the Speedway. At the time, the Speedway was considering hosting an IROC event during the month of May, during activities leading up the Indianapolis 500. The test was considered successful, but several improvements would have to be made to the track before it was safe for modern stock cars to race there. After consideration, it was determined that it would not be economically feasible to hold an IROC race at the time, and plans for that event were put on hold. Instead, the Speedway moved forward on plans to host a NASCAR race, the Brickyard 400, which would debut in 1994.

After the Brickyard 400 was deemed to be a huge success, and since the sufficient track improvements had been made, the Speedway re-opened talks to bring an IROC to Indy. The event was held for the first time in 1998.

As with all IROC races, there were no qualification sessions held. Grid positions were determined on a handicap basis, with starting positions opposite to the current points standings. All cars were identically prepared stock cars, based upon the Pontiac Trans Am. The cars were prepared and serviced by the series, rather than by a team which employed the driver.

By winning the IROC event from 1998–2000, Mark Martin became the first driver to "three-peat" any single annual event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Due to dwindling interest, the IROC race was removed from the IMS schedule after 2003 and, following the 2006 season, the IROC series itself folded.

Race results

Year Date Day Winning Driver Race Distance Time of Race Winning Speed Starting
Cars
Lead
Changes
Miles Laps
1998 July 31 Friday Mark Martin 100 40 00:38:21 156.386 mph 12 1
1999 Aug 6 Friday Mark Martin 100 40 00:38:52 157.374 mph 12 2
2000 Aug 4 Friday Mark Martin 100 40 00:38:41 155.106 mph 12 2
2001 Aug 4 Saturday Bobby Labonte 100 40 00:38:39 155.239 mph 11 3
2002 Aug 3 Saturday Dale Jarrett 100 40 00:37:57 158.137 mph 11 0
2003 Aug 2 Saturday Jimmie Johnson 100 40 00:44:21 135.287 mph 12 1

Event records

Year Driver
Fastest Race 2002 Dale Jarrett Time: 32:29.3233 Speed: 158.137 mph 100 Miles 40 Laps
Most Wins by a Driver 98–00 Mark Martin 3 Wins
Most Starts by a Driver 98–02 Dale Jarrett 5 Starts

Drivers

In the six years that this race was contested, 38 drivers participated:

Driver: Starts: Best Finish: Laps Led:
Number Years Position Year
Greg Biffle12003720030
Mike Bliss120031020030
Kenny Brack21999; 2001320010
Jeff Burton41998 through 20017199919
Kurt Busch12003420030
Hélio Castroneves22002; 20032200220
Eddie Cheever, Jr.31999; 2000; 2001319994
Mark Dismore22000; 2001920016
Dale Earnhardt31998; 1999; 2000220000
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.21999; 2000920000
Jeff Gordon31998; 1999; 2000219992
Jeff Green12001820010
Kevin Harvick22002; 2003220030
Sam Hornish, Jr.22002; 20031020020
Dale Jarrett51998 through 20021200240
Jimmie Johnson120031200320
Tommy Kendall119981019980
Steve Kinser12003920030
Bobby Labonte41999 through 20021200117
Terry Labonte11998519980
Randy LaJoie11998419980
Danny Lasoski120031220030
Buddy Lazier22001; 2002420020
Arie Luyendyk119981119980
Dave Marcis11999919990
Sterling Marlin12002720020
Mark Martin41998; 1999; 2000; 200311998; 1999; 200068
Greg Moore119991219990
Ryan Newman12003320030
Greg Ray120001020000
Ricky Rudd12001620010
Ken Schrader12002320020
Scott Sharp22002; 2003620030
Jack Sprague12002620020
Tony Stewart41998; 2000; 2001; 2002220018
Al Unser, Jr.21998; 2001219980
Jimmy Vasser119983199836
Rusty Wallace21999; 200051999; 20000

References

  • IROC website (Website is inactive. Preserved on archive.org)
  • 2004 Brickyard 400 Official Program, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2004.
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