The IROC cars at Rolex Monterey Reunion are more than just legendary machines, they’re living motorsport history. For the first time in over two decades, the International Race of Champions returns to the West Coast with a thunderous lineup.
This year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca brings together 24 historic IROC cars, alongside the legends who once raced them. Set for August 13–16, the event will showcase a complete evolution, from Porsche to Pontiac, all on the same track.
All-Star Drivers and Iconic Legends
What made IROC so special was its cast. A who’s who of racing royalty competed shoulder to shoulder in identical cars. At this year’s reunion, familiar names return, Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte, Zak Brown, and even Al Unser Jr., who serves as Grand Marshal.
Their presence, combined with crowd favorites like Danny Sullivan and Scott Pruett, reignites the thrill of IROC’s golden years. But the true stars are the machines themselves.
The IROC Cars: Pure Racing Nostalgia
With the help of Ray Evernham, every generation of IROC cars will be represented on track. It’s the first time in history that all seven have appeared together.
From the rainbow-hued 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR to the fire-breathing 2006 Pontiac Firebird, each car tells its own story. These machines aren’t replicas, they’re the real deal, with real history under their hoods.
Engine Specs and Track Performance
Many of these cars were more than just good-looking, they were fierce on the track. The 1974 Porsche 911 featured robust air-cooled flat-six power. By 1985, the IROC-Z Camaros came fitted with beefed-up V8s tuned for Daytona and Michigan.
The 1990 Dodge Daytona and 1995 Dodge Avenger continued the tradition with high-output V8s fitted into lightweight racing chassis. Each model evolved with safety and speed in mind, culminating in the Pontiac Firebird driven by Tony Stewart during IROC’s final championship year.
Behind Every Car, a Champion
Each car at the reunion carries a backstory. Chip Connor’s 1974 911 was once piloted by David Pearson and F1 ace Denny Hulme. Zak Brown’s 1978 Camaro? Driven by Waltrip and Yarborough, and even tested by Hollywood royalty like Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood.
Then there’s Bill Elliott’s 1985 Camaro, a Daytona-winning icon. Scott Pruett’s Dodge Daytona has deep Penske roots, and Bruce Canepa’s Avenger echoes Dale Earnhardt’s championship drive.
A One-of-a-Kind Racing Experience
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will host over 400 period-correct race cars across 14 groups. But the IROC display stands apart. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a reminder of what motorsport was when competition came down to the driver, not the machinery.
Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or the noise, this year’s event promises something special for every racing fan.
Summary
The return of IROC to Laguna Seca is more than a reunion, it’s a revival of everything motorsport fans cherish. With legendary drivers, iconic cars, and true racing heritage on display, the 2025 Rolex Monterey Reunion is shaping up to be a historic spectacle.
Disclaimer: Vehicle and driver participation details are subject to change without prior notice.
