NASCAR Legend Jeff Gordon will return to competitive action nearly a decade after stepping away from full-time racing. The four-time champion is set to compete in the International Race of Champions Heritage Invitational on April 10, 2026, at Ten Tenths Motor Club in Concord.
The event marks one of his most notable appearances since retiring from the NASCAR Cup Series in 2016. Gordon will race in identical IROC cars, a format designed to focus on driver skill rather than equipment differences.
The return has drawn attention as the event brings together experienced drivers from different racing backgrounds. It also adds another appearance to Gordon’s post-retirement schedule, where he has remained active in select racing events.
NASCAR Legend Jeff Gordon Returns to IROC Competition
The IROC Heritage Invitational will feature cars used between 1974 and 2006, including Camaros and Firebirds. All drivers will compete with equal equipment, eliminating technical advantages and focusing on driving ability. Gordon has prior experience in the series, having competed from 1995 to 2000.
“You just can’t believe the names you’re racing against,” Gordon said when reflecting on his earlier IROC runs. “Exciting racing, big names. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
He also described what the series meant during his career. “As a kid looking at that, you kind of strive for that. I was fortunate to get that invite and be a part of IROC with my own career. It’s just amazing every time we’d line up and take the green.”
Gordon’s best IROC result came in 1998, when he won at Daytona and finished third in the standings. His return places him back in a field built around experienced drivers.
The Event Brings Together Racing Legends
The lineup includes several well-known names such as Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, and Bill Elliott. The field also features road racing drivers, including Scott Pruett, Tommy Kendall, Max Papis, and Tomy Drissi.
The event is part of the Heritage Invitational, which runs from April 9 to April 11. It will take place at Ten Tenths Motor Club, a private facility located near Charlotte Motor Speedway. The venue was developed with involvement from Marcus Smith and Rick Hendrick.
Organizers have described the lineup as one of the strongest collections of drivers for an IROC-style event in recent years. The format is designed to highlight driver performance in equal cars.
Gordon Continues Involvement in Racing
Since retiring from full-time competition, Gordon has remained active in the sport. He works as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and has also served as a broadcaster. He has made occasional appearances in racing events, including a recent IROC race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where he finished fourth.
His return in Concord adds another competitive outing to his schedule. The event will be broadcast live, allowing fans to follow the action. Gordon’s participation reflects a continued interest in events that bring together experienced drivers in equal machinery.
The Heritage Invitational provides a setting for past champions to compete again in a controlled format. Gordon’s presence adds to the lineup and provides another opportunity for him to race alongside drivers from different eras.
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