Newman Wins IROC Opener

The International Race of Champions has a new sponsor, Crown Royal whiskey, but the season-opening race results were familiar.

As usual, a parade of NASCAR drivers, accustomed to drafting on high-banked ovals, collared the first four finishing positions Friday in the 100-mile race showcasing 12 drivers from various racing classifications driving identically prepared Pontiac Firebirds.

Ryan Newman, the winningest driver in Winston Cup last year, passed Kurt Busch as the cars entered the tri-oval leading to the finish line for the win.

Winston Cup champion Matt Kenseth was third and Jimmie Johnson fourth.

The finish was controversial because Newman went below the yellow line, a rule violation, but IROC officials said Busch had forced him low and allowed the victory to stand. “I could have stayed above the line and wrecked us both, but as he came down, so did I,” Newman said. “If you go down there deliberately, it’s a foul and you get penalized, but if you’re forced down there, as I was, there’s no penalty.”

Busch said he had no argument with the decision.

World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser, who led three of the 40 laps, was fifth, the first non-NASCAR driver.

The series resumes April 2 at Texas Motor Speedway, followed by races Sept. 9 at Richmond, Va., and Oct. 30 at Atlanta.

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-- Shav Glick