Gordon turns down IROC 2002: The ever-increasing demands put on Jeff Gordon by sponsors and by himself as the co-owner of the new #48 NASCAR Winston Cup team [Jimmie Johnson] have forced Gordonto cease his participation in the International Race of Champions series, announcing that he was declining the invitation forwarded him as the reigning NASCAR title winner. “It’s definitely an honor to be recognized by IROC and compete against an elite group of drivers,” said Gordon. “I’ll never forget the first invitation I received from IROC in 1995. It was very exciting. Unfortunately, due to the demands on my time with the number of races on the NASCAR Winston Cup schedule and commitments to my sponsors, in addition to my increased involvement with the No. 24 and No. 48 teams, I have to decline the invitation.” Gordon becomes the first NASCAR champion since Bobby Allison won the 1983 series title not to follow his title-winning year with a run in the IROC series. Gordon has competed six times in the IROC series but has never had much success, taking the checkered flag in the 1998 season-opener in Daytona as his only IROC victory. Series officials confirmed that they had discussed the matter with Gordon before he announced his decision and that the move did not come as a surprise to them. The series currently has five of its 12 drivers for the 2002 series under wraps, including Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr., Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, Indy 500 polesitter Scott Sharp, all-time IRL victory leader Buddy Lazier and NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie-of-the-Year Kevin Harvick.(SpeedVision)(12-18-2001)
