IROC Lands Chevrolet As New Presenting Sponsor

The revival of IROC has gained presenting support from Chevrolet. (IROC photo)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – IROC Holdings LLC and General Motors announced Wednesday that Chevrolet has become the presenting sponsor of IROC.

The renewed relationship builds on a storied history between the two brands, which has seen Chevrolet front and center for countless moments in IROC’s lengthy history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chevrolet as our presenting sponsor for IROC,” said Ray Evernham, co-principal of IROC Holdings. “Chevrolet has not only played a key role in my own personal career, but they’ve been a vital part of IROC’s history, too. Rob [Kauffman, co-principal] and I have had a lot of fun bringing the IROC brand back to life, and to now have our friends at Chevrolet and General Motors involved makes it even more exciting.”

“Chevrolet is proud of our long and rich history with IROC, which dates back more than half a century, and honored to be the presenting sponsor,” added Todd Christensen, Director of Chevrolet Motorsports Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the stars and cars back on track in a revitalized IROC.”

The partnership debuted at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Aug. 13-16, where IROC presented by Chevrolet was a featured run group at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

An impressive 27 authentic IROC race cars participated in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s IROC Unser Family Cup class, with many being original Chevrolet Camaros that were campaigned in IROC competition between 1974 and 1989.

Equally impressive was the lineup of drivers – including names like Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Scott Pruett, Danny Sullivan, and Ken Schrader – who were reunited with the original machines they raced during IROC’s prime.

The history between General Motors and IROC extends back to 1974, when 12 identically prepared Chevrolet Camaros took to the track with motorsports legends like Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Graham Hill behind the wheel.

While Chevrolet’s Camaro was the designated car for the IROC Series from 1974 until 1989, General Motors returned to IROC once again in 1996 with the Pontiac Firebird, which was utilized through the final year of series competition in 2006.

“The excitement from fans and drivers around the revival of the IROC brand has been incredible, and Chevrolet’s commitment only reinforces that we’re building something truly special,” noted Evernham.