At the latest International Race of Champions (IROC) gathering, Kurt Busch shared both the excitement and nostalgia of racing alongside Jeff Gordon at the Laguna Seca event, highlighting the unique sense of camaraderie. Their reunion at the IROC showcase put the spotlight on Jeff Gordon at IROC event, drawing attention from fans and fellow racers alike.
Busch and Gordon Relive IROC Magic at Laguna Seca
Kurt Busch posted a joyful photo with four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon during the recent IROC event, using his official social media platform to celebrate the moment. Smiling together in the picture, both drivers appeared thrilled to be part of the gathering focused on classic motorsport competition.
The energy of the event was underscored by Busch’s online comments, where he described the thrill of returning to the IROC track and the sense of friendship among the drivers he raced with.
“Practice #2 in the books. So much fun rollin with my homies. I will try to get a photo of everyone on race day. I feel like a kid again. Thanks @irocofficial,”
Busch wrote. —Busch, NASCAR Driver
The IROC Legacy Returns with Racing Legends
The International Race of Champions began in 1974 as an answer to a classic motorsports question: what would happen if the world’s best drivers competed in identical cars? IROC brought together icons from NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing, with each car distinguishable only by its color and the driver’s name displayed on the door. The event became famous for its equal machinery and star-studded driver list until its conclusion in 2006, by which time it had grown more closely tied to NASCAR.
This year, Ray Evernham and Rob Kauffman have revived IROC as a vintage racing demonstration, meticulously restoring 27 original racecars. The Laguna Seca showcase marks the first time every car generation in IROC’s history is appearing together. Esteemed competitors like Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Jenson Button, and, of course, Jeff Gordon have joined the festivities, reuniting on track and reminiscing about past showdowns.
Kurt Busch Explores Rally Racing’s Unique Thrills
Beyond the IROC event, Kurt Busch recently traveled to Finland to immerse himself in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time. A longtime admirer of rally racing, with prior experience at the 2014 Monza Rally Show in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, Busch took to the dirt roads again during Rally Finland.
During the visit, he rode alongside Rally Estonia victor Oliver Solberg in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. The shakedown session allowed Busch to experience firsthand the high-adrenaline dynamics of rally cars, which are markedly different from the heavy, asphalt-only NASCAR stock cars he knows best.
“For sure, our NASCAR discipline is very different. It is a lot about tyre management and getting the grip level on the asphalt. This is all-wheel drive, lightweight, and go as fast as you can go while the tree branches are hitting the windshield. It is a whole different discipline, but it is fun to see it at the top level.”
—Kurt Busch, NASCAR Driver
Busch noted the remarkable precision Solberg displayed, reading the roads and corners with such accuracy that every maneuver seemed perfectly anticipated, leaving little room for error or hesitation.
The Future of Rally Racing in the United States
Although plans to host a WRC event in the U.S. have been postponed until at least 2027, Kurt Busch remains optimistic about the potential for rally racing to capture an American audience. He referenced the strong turnouts seen in both NASCAR and Formula 1’s city-based street races as proof that fans are willing to embrace new racing formats. However, he emphasized that rally stages require rural settings, suggesting that areas near large metropolitan centers, such as Chattanooga, could make the sport both accessible and authentic.
The renewed excitement surrounding the IROC vintage showcase, especially with icons like Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch sharing the spotlight, is a testament to the enduring appeal of motorsport legends and the evolving landscape of racing formats. As classic series like IROC are revived and newer disciplines seek footing in America, the racing world is witnessing a dynamic blend of legacy and innovation that continues to fascinate both longtime fans and fresh audiences.
