WHAT: A four-race International Race of Champions all-star series with drivers from NASCAR, IRL IndyCar, NHRA and World of Outlaws. The series began with the 1973-74 season and each season pits 12 drivers from various forms of motorsports against each other in identically prepared Pontiac Firebirds.
SCHEDULE: Today - at Daytona International Speedway; April 2 - at Texas Motor Speedway; Sept. 9 - at Richmond International Raceway; TBA - at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
DRIVERS: Kurt Busch (NC); Helio Castroneves (IRL); Scott Dixon (IRL); Kevin Harvick (NC); Jimmie Johnson (NC); Matt Kenseth (NC); Steve Kinser (World of Outlaws); Travis Kvapil (Trucks); Danny Lasoski (World of Outlaws); Ryan Newman (NC); Scott Sharp (IRL); J.J. Yeley (USAC).
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Kurt Busch.
NOTES: True Value left as a sponsor after last season. It was replaced by Crown Royal, which will boost the prize money from $250,000 to $1-million for the champion. IROC spokesman George Signore told the Associated Press the series came "pretty close" to folding before the new deal. . . . Daytona is the only track that carried over from last season's schedule . . . Speed Channel will televise today's race live at 5 p.m. . . . The series' visit to Richmond will mark its first on a track shorter than 1 mile.
