Custom Built IROC/Penske Built 358ci V8/Jerico Trans/Set Up for Daytona

1996 Pontiac Firebird IROC Racecar

International Race of Champions (IROC) was a North American auto racing competition, created by Les Richter, Roger Penske and Mike Phelps, promoted as an equivalent of an American motorsports All-Star Game. Despite its name, the IROC was primarily associated with North American, oval-track racing. Drivers raced identically-prepared stock cars set up by a single team of mechanics in an effort to make the race purely a test of driver ability. It was run with a small field of 12 invited drivers. It was created and developed in 1972 by David Lockton, the developer of the Ontario Motor Speedway. The drivers invited were from a broad range of racing disciplines: Indy cars, NASCAR, sports car racing, and on occasion, sprint car racing. Criteria for invitation was very loose, but typically consisted of recent season champions of the respective series, and individual winners of big events.

For consignment a piece of racing history from the IROC series and several prominent drivers had seat time in this car in the actual series. Every time this car was taken out, it was documented extensively from the air temperature to the suspension setup and everything in between. Some prominent drivers were Tony Stewart who won the Michigan race in 2001, Kurt Busch in 2003, and Ryan Newman who ran this car at the last IROC race in Atlanta in 2006 finishing 4th. Other notables include Rusty Wallace, Kevin Harvick, Jimmy Johnson, Helio Castroneves, Terry Labonte, and Sterling Marlin are among just a few whose name appears in one of 3 binders full of documented conditions and setup when the car was run. A Pontiac Firebird that is an actual IROC car (not a factory badged car) and a real piece for the Pontiac aficionado.

Exterior
Built mostly by Penske, these cars were made as throwbacks utilizing classic racers who now make various parts for these cars. It is currently in race trim and set up for Daytona with the Crown Royal Sponsorship badging, and red white and gold accenting as background for the various decals. Ryan Newman has his name on it as it was the last professional IROC race driven by him in 2006. There are various aero packages available with this car, rain tires, and of course all the previous documentation depending on which track you plan to run on! 15-inch wheels and Goodyear Racing tires in the form of 27.5x12-15's on all 4 corners. From the window net to differing aero packages available this is a true racer.

Interior
With emphasis on safety a full roll cage and structural safety has been built onto this car. A fire extinguishing system and full racing seat with side bolsters and shoulder bolsters and Simpson racing belts. This seat setup is centered in the cockpit for even weight distribution. A full analog instrument panel is fabricated in front of the driver, and all else is only in this car if it is absolutely necessary…just the facts ma'am! Painted metal floors and plenty of fabricated steel coverings are seen inside, which all can be considered racing comforts!

Drivetrain
Under the hood, as far back in the engine bay as humanly possible, the 358ci V8 racing engine which produces 500HP is shoehorned inside. This mill has 867 Brodix CNC aluminum heads, a 4-barrel carburetor and a Brodix intake. It also has Jere Stahl headers, a Franklin quick change rear, all bolted into a Loughlin chassis. A 4-speed manual Jerico transmission is on. Handling can be infinitely adjusted as can ride height, spring tension and toe in. “She's loose in turn 2 gimme a couple of turns on the rear suspension, and maybe take out a wedge!” You'll need someone who knows what they are doing just to start this car as it needs to be pre warmed up, and the procedure is extensive, but hey it's a real race car.

Undercarriage
Ground effects smoothness has been achieved underneath as it is solid and nary even a nook or cranky open to the airflow. Independent coil springs are upfront, and coil springs are on back. Disc brakes are all around, and it is looking racy underneath even with no stickers or decals.

For the Pontiac “squirrel” who has everything and needs this piece for the collection, a true race car from the iconic IROC series. Lots of famous drivers have had seat time in this car, and it is truly no foolin around. Grab a pit crew and I'll see you at any number of famous tracks, and we will do the setup and go racing'. If you would like to see videos off this car running on track please google the number and sponsorship of this car and put a smile on your face, but don't let your left foot twitch too much while doing so!