From 1974 to 2006, the racing world was treated to the International Race of Champions (IROC). IROC was an “all-star” league of sorts where drivers from mostly NASCAR and open-wheel series competed in a handful of events across the year. The field was set at twelve drivers. As the series dragged on, the NASCAR influence took more of a hold as seven of the twelve drivers in the final season were from NASCAR. Despite that, it was still a beloved series that fans of NASCAR and IndyCar thoroughly enjoyed. When a lack of sponsorship canceled the 2007 season (Crown Royal back out), the hope was that the series would return in 2008. Instead, IROC sold off its equipment and officially shut down. Now, the SRX carries the legacy of IROC in today’s racing climate.
Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham teamed up to start the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) in 2020. The premise was almost a carbon-copy of IROC. The SRX would build and outfit all their cars to bring in drivers from various backgrounds to race. Tony Stewart, a former IROC champion, himself compared it to IROC, clearly demonstrating the influence the defunct series had over the SRX.
Where IROC and SRX differ though is the location of the races. For IROC, they mostly raced on the NASCAR ovals on the same weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. From 1992 to 2005, IROC exclusively raced on ovals. Meanwhile, the SRX races on the short tracks and (prior to this year) not in connection with NASCAR’s schedule. The SRX visits smaller markets and brings the racing to a local, passionate fanbase. In the first season, SRX had a car reserved for a hometown driver to race against the all-stars.
Establishing a Brand
The first two seasons of the SRX set it up more so as competition to NASCAR. While there was no expectation of outdrawing NASCAR, the SRX attempted to give fans something different from NASCAR. More so, it was bringing local track racing to the mainstream. Every SRX race would have two heats to determine the starting order for the main event. The main event is usually 100 laps, with an intermission halfway in order to make adjustments to the car (as there are no live pit stops). Overall, the entire event lasts 90 minutes. Short track racing at its finest.
Much like IROC before, the bulk of the fulltime rosters for the SRX have been filled out with IndyCar and NASCAR drivers. The first season saw two Trans-Am drivers in Willy T Ribbs and Ernie Francis Jr run for the championship. Meanwhile, the guest drivers have had a wide variety in backgrounds. Putting a spotlight on the hometown driver was a distinct touch for the SRX. In its inaugural race, Doug Coby, a fulltime real estate agent, outdrove the talents from NASCAR, IndyCar, and other series to win. That is the flair of the SRX.
Throughout the first two seasons, the stands have been packed for each race. There is a visible excitement that a viewer watching at home can sense. It is recapturing the market that was left behind by the closure of IROC. Despite being somewhat competition, the NASCAR link began to grow stronger in season two. In season one, only one active driver participated in a SRX event (Chase Elliott). During season two, that number grew to three. For the 2023 season, it grew again.
NASCAR & SRX Blend
Season three for the SRX is branching into new territory. First off, the broadcast will shift from CBS to ESPN. Instead of racing on Saturday nights, the SRX will be bringing fans Thursday Night Thunder. Also, Camping World is no longer the title sponsor. However, the biggest change for the 2023 season is the NASCAR connection. Different from years prior, the SRX now mirrors the NASCAR schedule. For the first race, the series is in Stafford, Connecticut, close proximity to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This continues throughout the SRX schedule. With this change, the amount of active NASCAR drivers participating has increased vastly.
For the first time, there will be a fulltime NASCAR driver competing fulltime for the SRX. In fact, it will be two: Hailie Deegan and Brad Keselowski. As for the part time NASCAR drivers, that list includes Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, and Kyle Busch. Harvick and Busch will be running two SRX races. Until the last race of the season, each SRX race is nearby where the Cup Series is racing. This intentional move was to draw the Cup Series drivers to the series. Rather than stand ground as competition, the SRX might be starting to morph into an alliance with NASCAR. While Stewart and company would never outright partner up with NASCAR, the unofficial relationship is clear. If that continues, it would be beneficial for the SRX.
SRX Becoming IROC
While most enjoyed IROC, the SRX should not become a carbon copy of the old series. The SRX has established a great short tracking racing brand and it should remain that way. Obviously, the custom designed cars are not made to race at large tracks like Daytona. However, embracing the image of being the all-star league that draws from multiple series is great. The emphasis needs to be on the “stars” when it comes to the lineups. While the first season was innovative and fun, the likes of Bill Elliott, Willy T Ribbs, and Michael Waltrip were not competitive enough to merit all-star status (in 2021). 2022 saw better competitors roll in. On paper, 2023 is the best roster of talent yet. A little NASCAR heavy, but at least it is mostly star NASCAR drivers.
The caliber of driver they are bringing in for 2023 is top notch. The variety is still there, with Ron Capps from NHRA and Kasey Kahne from World of Outlaws will be a guest driver once each. SRX should keep the hometown driver spot open, although it seems that has been done away with it. That should be a feature that they bring out for future seasons. Having a David to fight against multiple Goliaths was unique to the SRX and many fans would embrace. Plus, it brings a spotlight to that area’s legend.
Bottom line, the SRX is providing fans with racing stars on the local level. If the SRX can maintain star power with variety, it will be a throwback to the hay day of IROC. However, too much NASCAR influence can also bring that same criticism. Either way, it is exciting to see the SRX return and grow. If 2023 is a success, the SRX will continue to grow and better itself by the summer of 2024.
