IROC: Edwards out, Newman in; sched conflict: Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) officials announced a change in the 2006 driver roster. Ryan Newman will replace Carl Edwards representing the NEXTEL Cup Series. A scheduling conflict remains unresolved involving Crown Royal IROC Race Four at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Busch Series race in Memphis, both taking place on Saturday, October 28. Edwards will be competing full-time in the Busch Series in 2006.(IROC Racing PR)(1-24-2006)


2006 IROC Drivers Announced: Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) officials announced today the driver field and race event schedule for the 2006 Crown Royal IROC Series. The four-race invitational all-star series, which matches 12 drivers from different disciplines of auto racing in equally prepared cars, will open its historic 30th season February 17 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). Five-time Crown Royal IROC Series and 2005 champion Mark Martin will look to capture consecutive series crowns for the first time since Dale Earnhardt accomplished the feat in the 1999-2000 seasons. Martin won three in row from 1996-1998 and owns an IROC-record 13 checkered flags. The 2006 driver field will consist of representation from seven major racing series, including six drivers that captured their respective series championship in 2005.

The 2006 Crown Royal IROC Series drivers vying for the $1 million championship purse include:

Driver Series Representing
Mark Martin - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup (2005 Crown Royal IROC champion)
Tony Stewart - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup (2005 Series champion)
Martin Truex Jr. - NASCAR Busch Series (2005 Series champion)
Steve Kinser - World of Outlaws (2005 Series champion)
Ted Musgrave - NASCAR Craftsman Truck (2005 Series champion)
Frank Kimmel - ARCA Re/Max Series (2005 Series champion)
Max Angelelli / Wayne Taylor - Grand American Road Racing (2005 Series champions)
Max Papis - Open-wheel and road racing disciplines
Ryan Newman - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Sam Hornish, Jr. - IRL IndyCar Series
Scott Sharp - IRL IndyCar Series
Matt Kenseth - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series


"For three decades, IROC has tried to bring together the very best champion drivers from all forms of racing disciplines," said Jay Signore, IROC President. "This year, our 30th season, is no different. We have another strong field and look forward to the competition heating up at Daytona."

The Crown Royal IROC Series will consist of four races on diverse race tracks. In an effort to return to its roots for this historic season, the Crown Royal IROC Series will compete on a road course for the first time in 14 years, when it does on the famed road course at DIS on Thursday, June 29, in conjunction with the NASCAR Cup race weekend. Sandwiched between the two DIS events will be Race Two at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, April 7, with the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 28.

Jayski.com

 

well, oh well. was hopin to see my boy in a couple more races this year. was even gonna try to make the iroc race at texas.
itll be alriight though, hes got a championship to win this year!!! edwards was the real rookie of the year!!!

 

I enjoy watching those races, they really bring out the driver's skill instead of the crew chief or mechanic's.......

Dusty

 

How exactly does ol Ryan qualify for this? Or Carl for that matter? Does it have to be a current driver in some particular series?