Jeff Gordon recently headed back into IROC competition, but this time, there was an added incentive waiting for the NASCAR Hall of Famer. The revived series raced through the streets of Washington, D.C., during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend, with the U.S. Capitol providing a unique backdrop. Gordon had enjoyed his recent returns to the historic IROC cars; however, this time Rick Hendrick made one thing clear: it was time to win.
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“We did the Monterey Car Week out in Laguna last year. We did Ten Tenths in the event there earlier this year, and it’s just a fun car to drive, a fun group of drivers to get together with, and also get to work with Ray again. And so yes, it’s been a lot of fun, and it’s Rick Hendrick’s car that he’s had in his collection. So he’s been putting some pressure on me about why I haven’t won any of these choices.”
Jeff Gordon made the admission while speaking on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio podcast.
These IROC appearances have largely been about rediscovering the fun of racing for Gordon. But the cars he has been driving belong to none other than Rick Hendrick. And his longtime boss apparently has not been satisfied with Gordon simply ‘enjoying’ himself.
That made Saturday’s return to Washington, D.C., a little more interesting. The event brought together some of the biggest names from NASCAR, IndyCar and sports car racing for a rare reunion.
Jeff Gordon shared the 1.7-mile street circuit with fellow NASCAR Cup Series champions like Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace and Bill Elliott. Indianapolis 500 winners Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves will also be part of the field.
The drivers competed in historic Pontiac Firebirds that were used in IROC competition between 1996 and 2006. Gordon drove one from Rick Hendrick’s massive collection. The setting represents another chapter in an unexpected return to competitive driving for Gordon.
He competed in the original International Race of Champions from 1995 through 2000 and won one IROC race at Daytona in 1998. He began finding his way back into the cars through special reunion events after spending years away from the cockpit.
Jeff Gordon climbed into a 2001 IROC Pontiac Firebird for a 10-lap exhibition race at the August 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The event brought several familiar names back together, including Kurt Busch and Mark Martin. Gordon then took another step toward competitive racing this year.
On April 10, 2026, he competed in the inaugural IROC Heritage Invitational at the Ten Tenths Motor Club in Concord, North Carolina. Driving a vintage silver Pontiac Firebird, Jeff Gordon battled at the front before Kurt Busch ultimately took the victory.
Those appearances have clearly done more than provide nostalgia. They have given Gordon another chance to compete against drivers who understand exactly what it feels like to race at the highest level.
And that competitive instinct has not disappeared. Jeff Gordon acknowledged that himself when discussing the dynamic between the drivers.
“We all, you know, put our arms around one another. Man, it’s great to see you. How you’ve been, hey, you know, get out on the race track and then they drop the green flag and all that goes out the window.”
That mentality paid off on Saturday. When the green flag dropped for the two-race showcase, Gordon delivered on Hendrick’s request in a massive way.
He opened the event with a victory in Race 1, tracking down Helio Castroneves to take the lead on Lap 6. However, because of IROC’s full-grid inversion rules, winning the first race forced Gordon to start at the back of the grid for Race 2.
Despite that, Gordon showed his class. He carved through the field of elite drivers, passing Tony Kanaan on Lap 5 for the lead. He then had to hold off Kurt Busch’s final-lap charge to complete the sweep.
Just like April, the two former NASCAR Cup Series winners engaged in a tight battle, but this time, Gordon was able to get the better of Busch.
“He’s so good, especially in these cars. I’ve raced against him my whole career,” said Gordon about Busch. “He’s so good. I could not give him an inch. I took an opportunity in turn one. I’m like, alright, I’ve just got to keep my eye on him.”
Jeff Gordon ended up capturing the 2026 IROC championship. Rick Hendrick had asked for his car back with a trophy attached to it, and Gordon one-upped him. He brought back his silver Firebird with two race trophies and the championship.