Vehicle Description
1996 Pontiac Firebird IROC Racecar
International Race of Champions (IROC) was a North American auto
racing competition, created by Les Richter, Roger Penske and Mike
Phelps, promoted as an equivalent of an American motorsports
All-Star Game. Despite its name, the IROC was primarily associated
with North American, oval-track racing. Drivers raced
identically-prepared stock cars set up by a single team of
mechanics in an effort to make the race purely a test of driver
ability. It was run with a small field of 12 invited drivers. It
was created and developed in 1972 by David Lockton, the developer
of the Ontario Motor Speedway. The drivers invited were from a
broad range of racing disciplines: Indy cars, NASCAR, sports car
racing, and on occasion, sprint car racing. Criteria for invitation
was very loose, but typically consisted of recent season champions
of the respective series, and individual winners of big events.
For consignment a piece of racing history from the IROC series and
several prominent drivers had seat time in this car in the actual
series. Every time this car was taken out, it was documented
extensively from the air temperature to the suspension setup and
everything in between. Some prominent drivers were Tony Stewart who
won the Michigan race in 2001, Kurt Busch in 2003, and Ryan Newman
who ran this car at the last IROC race in Atlanta in 2006 finishing
4th. Other notables include Rusty Wallace, Kevin Harvick, Jimmy
Johnson, Helio Castroneves, Terry Labonte, and Sterling Marlin are
among just a few whose name appears in one of 3 binders full of
documented conditions and setup when the car was run. A Pontiac
Firebird that is an actual IROC car (not a factory badged car) and
a real piece for the Pontiac aficionado.
Exterior
Built mostly by Penske, these cars were made as throwbacks
utilizing classic racers who now make various parts for these cars.
It is currently in race trim and set up for Daytona with the Crown
Royal Sponsorship badging, and red white and gold accenting as
background for the various decals. Ryan Newman has his name on it
as it was the last professional IROC race driven by him in 2006.
There are various aero packages available with this car, rain
tires, and of course all the previous documentation depending on
which track you plan to run on! 15-inch wheels and Goodyear Racing
tires in the form of 27.5x12-15's on all 4 corners. From the window
net to differing aero packages available this is a true racer.
Interior
With emphasis on safety a full roll cage and structural safety has
been built onto this car. A fire extinguishing system and full
racing seat with side bolsters and shoulder bolsters and Simpson
racing belts. This seat setup is centered in the cockpit for even
weight distribution. A full analog instrument panel is fabricated
in front of the driver, and all else is only in this car if it is
absolutely necessary...just the facts ma'am! Painted metal floors
and plenty of fabricated steel coverings are seen inside, which all
can be considered racing comforts!
Drivetrain
Under the hood, as far back in the engine bay as humanly possible,
the 358ci V8 racing engine which produces 500HP is shoehorned
inside. This mill has 867 Brodix CNC aluminum heads, a 4-barrel
carburetor and a Brodix intake. It also has Jere Stahl headers, a
Franklin quick change rear, all bolted into a Loughlin chassis. A
4-speed manual Jerico transmission is on. Handling can be
infinitely adjusted as can ride height, spring tension and toe in.
"She's loose in turn 2 gimme a couple of turns on the rear
suspension, and maybe take out a wedge!" You'll need someone who
knows what they are doing just to start this car as it needs to be
pre warmed up, and the procedure is extensive, but hey it's a real
race car.
Undercarriage
Ground effects smoothness has been achieved underneath as it is
solid and nary even a nook or cranky open to the airflow.
Independent coil springs are upfront, and coil springs are on back.
Disc brakes are all around, and it is looking racy underneath even
with no stickers or decals.
For the Pontiac "squirrel" who has everything and needs this piece
for the collection, a true race car from the iconic IROC series.
Lots of famous drivers have had seat time in this car, and it is
truly no foolin around. Grab a pit crew and I'll see you at any
number of famous tracks, and we will do the setup and go racing'.
If you would like to see videos off this car running on track
please google the number and sponsorship of this car and put a
smile on your face, but don't let your left foot twitch too much
while doing so!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
