Nascar

Seven‑Time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Set to Return at 2026 IROC Monterey Event

Historic comeback headlines the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion as IROC revives its legendary equal‑competition format

Seven‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will step back into the cockpit of a historic IROC race car as part of the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the event set to unfold at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from August 12 through 15.

The IROC Revival

The International Race of Champions, first launched in 1973 and dormant for two decades, has been resurrected by NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham and entrepreneur Rob Kauffman, who have painstakingly restored a fleet of IROC machines spanning seven generations.

Johnson will share the grid with a roster of champions that includes Bobby Labonte, Dario Franchitti, Danny Sullivan, Scott Pruett, defending Monterey IROC winner Tomy Drissi, as well as team owners Zak Brown, Scott Borchetta, and series architects Evernham and Kauffman.

Celebrating Heritage and Fan Experience

The 2026 edition will pay tribute to Japanese motorsport heritage, showcasing the precision and tradition that have shaped the sport, while fans can explore historic displays, auction events and direct access to drivers and their cars.

Attendees will witness seven generations of IROC race cars in action on the 2.238‑mile road course, enjoy close‑up views of iconic machinery, and participate in a celebration that blends American and Japanese racing legacies.

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