Mark Martin Claims NASCAR Killed Ray Evernham’s IROC Revival Plan
A long-running fan favorite concept may have been stopped before it ever got rolling again. Former NASCAR star Mark Martin says an effort to bring back the International Race of Champions was quietly shut down, claiming the sport’s top leadership had no interest in allowing a potential rival to gain traction.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Martin explained that Ray Evernham explored reviving the IROC concept — a series built on equal cars and champion drivers — with plans that included a road-course style event following an initial appearance at Lime Rock. According to Martin, the idea never advanced because NASCAR stepped in and blocked it, suggesting the organization prefers to prevent outside events that might compete for fans or attention.
Martin described the IROC format as compelling but extremely difficult to pull off in today’s racing landscape. He pointed out that modern sponsorship deals, manufacturer affiliations, and team contracts make it challenging for current top drivers to step into identical cars without running into legal or commercial conflicts. Those realities, he said, create major barriers for any full-scale revival of the once-popular series.
The comments come amid a broader conversation about NASCAR’s relationship with independent racing ventures. Similar concerns were raised during the rise of the Superstar Racing Experience, which was co-founded by Evernham and Tony Stewart and featured veteran drivers in equal equipment at short tracks. That series attracted strong interest but also highlighted the tension between NASCAR’s policies and outside projects trying to carve out space in the motorsports world.
Meanwhile, other motorsports groups are moving into venues NASCAR no longer uses. The International Hot Rod Association’s purchase of Rockingham Speedway has sparked renewed interest in regional racing opportunities and fueled speculation about alternative stock-car events. Still, Martin cautioned that significant legal, sponsorship, and manufacturer challenges remain, making a true IROC comeback far more complicated than fans might expect.
Latest News
