IROC Announces 1999 Schedule
5 February 1999
1999 IROC SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED Tinton Falls, NJ - The International Race of Champions announced today the schedule of events for IROC XXIII. As tradition holds, every February the focus of the racing world is on Daytona Beach, Fla., for the annual 'Speedweeks' events held at Daytona International Speedway. For the 19th time in its' 23 seasons, IROC will be a part of that tradition. The first of the four race series, which matches 12 championship-caliber drivers from different forms of auto racing in equal and identical race cars, will take to the high banked, 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 12, 1999 at 1:30pm. Race #2 of 4 will take place on Saturday, April 24, 1999, which will mark the return of IROC to Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama. The 2.66 mile oval, which is famous for high speed, bumper to bumper, 'white knuckled' drafting has hosted some of IROC's most spectacular races and still holds the record for the fastest IROC average race speed of 191.722 MPH set by Davey Allison in 1992. Talladega Superspeedway is a great showcase for the IROC ideal of equally prepared race cars. Round #3 heads the International Race of Champions just west of the 'Motor City' to the 2.0 mile oval of Michigan Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan. The 100-mile, 50-lap event will take place on June 12, 1999. "Michigan (Speedway) is its own animal and presents the drivers with a unique challenge, " said IROC President Jay Signore. "Being a venue for both stock cars and open wheel racers (Michigan Speedway) narrows the edge and adds to the rivalry." Michigan Speedway has played host to more IROC races than any other venue in the series history - total 24 races. 1998 was a historical year for IROC with the addition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the series schedule. Due to the success of the inaugural venture, "IROC at INDY" will return on August 6, 1999 and once again be the 4th and final championship race of the series. Unleashing the world's greatest drivers, on the world's most famous 2.5-mile speedway for a final battle is a rewarding tribute to auto racing enthusiasts' worldwide. Winning IROC is, essentially, crowning a champion of champions, and culminating at the 'Brick Yard' is one of those rare 'naturals' in sports. All four events are 100-mile distance races and do not require pit stops. "The driver invitations are out and we are working fast and furious to assemble our driver line up for 1999" said Signore. Drivers are invited based upon their championship status, major race wins, and overall championship-caliber performance. Signore continued, "Announcements will be made soon." IROC is sponsored by True Value, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co, and DuPont Automotive Refinishes.