Bill Elliott will return to racing at age 70 in a special International Race of Champions event during the 2026 Heritage Invitational. The event connects directly to NASCAR history and brings back a format many NASCAR fans know well.
The race will take place on April 10 at Ten Tenths Motor Club. Elliott, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, last raced full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2003. His return puts him back on track in the same cars used in past IROC events.
The event marks the East Coast debut of the revived series and adds another chapter to NASCAR’s long history of bringing top drivers together.
Bill Elliott Returns to NASCAR-Style Competition in IROC
Elliott will compete against several well-known names from the NASCAR Cup Series and other racing series. The field includes Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Scott Pruett. All drivers will race in identical cars, including IROC Camaros and Firebirds used between 1974 and 2006.
This format removes team advantages and focuses on driver ability. It reflects a style of racing that has long been part of NASCAR’s broader culture.
Elliott built his legacy in the NASCAR Cup Series. He won the 1988 championship and recorded 44 career wins. His 1985 season remains one of the strongest in NASCAR history, with 11 wins, including the Daytona 500, Southern 500, and Winston 500.
Heritage Invitational Blends NASCAR History with Racing Action
The Heritage Invitational will run from April 9 to April 11. The event combines racing with car culture and highlights different parts of NASCAR and motorsports history. Organizers have scheduled a Vintage Indy exhibition and a Celebrity Pro-Am event to support Speedway Children’s Charities.
A concours d’elegance will also take place, with more than 115 collector cars on display. These activities aim to connect fans with both past and present moments in NASCAR and racing history.
The IROC race will be broadcast live by Racing America. Fans will be able to watch drivers from the NASCAR Cup Series and other series compete in equal machinery.
Ray Evernham Explains Elliott’s Return to the Spotlight
Ray Evernham, executive director of the event and a former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief, spoke about Elliott’s return.
“Bill may have stepped away from full-time NASCAR racing in 2003, but he has remained a constant figure in motorsports and his competitive drive hasn’t wavered,” Evernham said. “What a treat that fans will once again have the chance to see Awesome Bill strap in and put on a helmet alongside an absolutely incredible list of competitors as part of next month’s event.”
Elliott also spoke about his role as the 2026 Heritage Invitational Celebrant.
“It’s truly an honor to be named the 2026 celebrant for the Heritage Invitational,” Elliott said. “Events like this bring together the history, craftsmanship and passion that make racing and car culture so special. I’m excited to spend time with the fans, see these incredible cars up close and be part of a weekend that celebrates where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Evernham added, “Bill Elliott represents everything the Heritage Invitational stands for—excellence on the track, authenticity off it and a lifelong connection to car culture. His career helped define an era of NASCAR, and his influence continues to inspire racers and enthusiasts across generations.”
Elliott’s return places a NASCAR Cup Series champion back on track in a format built around equal competition and historic race cars.
NASCAR Legend Bill Elliott Returns to Racing, Faces Jeff Gordon in IROC