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IROC Returns to the Nation’s Capital – Jeff Gordon Steals the Show
The iconic International Race of Champions (IROC) series roared back to life Saturday on a temporary street circuit in Washington D.C., with the U.S. Capitol serving as a stunning backdrop. Eight classic cars from the early 2000s, driven by some of the most decorated names in motorsports, put on a two-race show that thrilled fans lining Pennsylvania Avenue.
The event, a support race for the IndyCar Series weekend, proved that even at 55, Jeff Gordon hasn’t lost a step. The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer swept both 10-lap contests, battling past a field that included Indy 500 winners, NASCAR champions, and Trans-Am titans.
Race #1: Gordon Holds Off Kurt Busch and Helio Castroneves
In the first race, pole-sitter Bill Elliott led early, but four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves powered past him by Lap 5. As Elliott faded, Gordon—starting mid-pack—quickly moved forward. He and Castroneves traded paint for several laps before Gordon finally secured the lead.
Behind them, veteran Tommy Kendall brushed the barriers, and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan ran off course while nursing brake issues. With two laps to go, 2004 NASCAR champion Kurt Busch passed Castroneves for second, but he could never close the gap to Gordon.
The finishing order: Gordon, Busch, Castroneves, Elliott, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte, Kendall, and Kanaan.
“I knew Kurt would be tough,” Gordon said after the first race. “I had to get by him early and keep him behind me. Then I saw Helio making passes, and I couldn’t let him get away. The car was great. Racing these legends on the streets of D.C. is a blast—I won’t wipe this smile off my face for a long time.”
Race #2: Inverted Grid, Same Result: Gordon Wins Again
The second race inverted the field, putting the fastest drivers at the back. But Gordon needed only a handful of laps to slice through the pack. Kanaan led early, but by Lap 5, Gordon had blown past both Castroneves and Kanaan, then drove away.
Castroneves moved up to second but spun, nearly collecting Kendall as the field swerved around. Busch climbed to second, but again Gordon was untouchable. The real fight was for third: Labonte ran wide, allowing Kanaan to reclaim the spot.
Final order: Gordon, Busch, Kanaan, Labonte, Kendall, Elliott, Wallace, and Castroneves.
“This is so special,” Gordon said after his second win. “I ran IROC back in the day, but to be here with Ray (Evernham) and Rob Kauffman—big thanks to them. They poured so much effort into reviving this series. The car was Hendrick’s, and I tweaked it a bit. Thanks to Hendrickcars.com. Being part of this 250th anniversary celebration of the country, with fans everywhere, is super special.”
A Revival of a Championship Tradition
The IROC series, which pitted drivers from different disciplines in identical cars, last ran regularly in the early 2000s. This weekend’s event was a one-off revival, organized by team owner Rob Kauffman and legendary crew chief Ray Evernham. The field featured eight cars built to early-2000s specifications, each with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, and the drivers raced them hard on the 1.3-mile temporary street course.
Gordon’s dominance was no surprise to those who remember his IROC glory days—he won the series championship in 1997 and 2000. But the competition was fierce. Kurt Busch, who raced against Gordon for years, pushed him relentlessly. “I couldn’t give him an inch,” Gordon said. “I took my opportunity in Turn 1 and kept my eye on him. Then Helio does his thing again—just takes off. The car was perfect.”
What Makes This Victory Special
Beyond the trophy, Gordon’s weekend was personal. He carried a tribute sticker on his car honoring Kyle Busch’s family, and he noted the significance of racing in the nation’s capital during the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States. “I’m truly blessed,” he said. “All of us are super appreciative to be here and experience what this weekend feels like.”
The event also marked a rare opportunity for fans to see legends like Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, and Rusty Wallace back in competitive action. Castroneves, known for his aggressive style, was a crowd favorite, while Elliott’s early lead in Race #1 reminded everyone of his 1988 championship pedigree.
Looking Ahead
While no plans for a full IROC revival have been announced, the success of the D.C. weekend—combined with strong fan turnout and positive driver feedback—could spark interest in future street-course events. Gordon himself hinted at the possibility: “It’s going to be hard to wipe this smile off my face. I hope we can do this again.”
For now, the four-time NASCAR champion leaves Washington D.C. with two more wins to his name, and a generation of racing fans got to see the IROC legend live once more
