Jeff Gordon, a four‑time NASCAR champion, captured the inaugural International Race of Champions event in Washington D.C. on Saturday, August 22, 2024, by winning both ten‑lap heats. The victory marked the first official IROC competition in two decades and was staged on a 1.7‑mile street circuit that wound around the National Mall, drawing a crowd eager to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
A tribute and a celebration
In a heartfelt tribute, Gordon’s car bore a sticker honoring the late Kyle Busch, whose memory added emotional weight to the weekend. The driver took the opportunity to thank Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports for providing the vehicle, while also noting the unexpected silence of Clint Bowyer on the radio during the second heat, a quip that lightened the atmosphere.
The weekend’s significance extended beyond the track. Fans gathered to celebrate American heritage, and the event served as a prelude to the upcoming NTT IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. on Sunday, August 23, 2024, followed by a NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire later that afternoon.