Jan 22, 2007

Daytona Will be Missing Crowd Favorite

It has always been a crowd-pleaser. In fact, in its early days it spawned a vehicle sub-model from a major manufacturer that became legendary in and of itself. But this venerable sub-species of racing -- which has had more lives than the blackest of black cats -- won't be at Daytona next month. The International Race of Champions, which was the inspiration for the fabled IROC version of the Chevrolet Camaro, will not be contested on Daytona 500 week because series officials have not secured sponsorship. You have to scratch your head as to why, since far less appealing events seem to get funding with little difficulty. But that's the situation.

Crown Royal, the series' most recent sponsor, decided to pull out at the end of last season. So now IROC series execs are hunting high and low for a candidate to pick up the $1 million-plus tab for what is usually a four-race schedule conducted in tandem with other major motorsports events.

IROC has always been a crowd-pleaser for pure racing fans because it is a great test of driver skill. Drivers from a variety of motor racing disciplines compete in identically prepared racecars, making it similar in theory to one-design sailboat racing. The captain's skill is brought to the fore, and the vehicle is largely taken out of the equation. But, despite its popularity, and despite the fact that it has been held in conjunction with the Daytona 500 for the vast majority of its 30 seasons that date back to the heyday of the musclecar era, there will be no IROC race at this year's Daytona 500.

"We're very disappointed about not making it to Daytona this year, and we're working very hard to find a title sponsor," IROC president Jay Signore told the AP. "Our hopes are to find a new title sponsor in enough time to be able to have a full four-race season within 2007."

Because the series offers a great test of the skill-sets of drivers from various series and is just a hoot to watch, we sincerely hope the IROC series gets the funding it needs. We'd hate to see this legendary series vanish from tracks across the country.