Many motorsports fans were sad to hear that the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) would not return in 2024. However, one of its founders, Ray Evernham, seemed to have predicted its decline. He spoke about the downfall of the SRX and why he left on the popular Dale Jr. Download show.
Ray Evernham and Tony Stewart established the Superstar Racing Experience in 2021. It was initially planned as a modern version of the “IROC” competition on short tracks with retired motorsports stars racing against one local legend.
Honestly, I have to say that IROC was an enjoyable series to cover and I liked each event. I hope that Ray can successfully revive IROC.
Over time, the series changed and modern drivers were included, while the local hero aspect was removed. However, the races still took place on local short tracks and consistently sold out these venues.
The departure of SRX left many fans feeling upset. Although many were unsure of what happened, Evernham shed some light on where the series took the wrong turn.
Ray Evernham revealed to Earnhardt Jr. the original concept of the SRX. Unfortunately, the series transformed into something that did not align with his initial vision.
:When I designed that series, I wanted it to be a mini IROC for drivers like (Earnhardr Jr.) and Jeff (Gordon) and Tony (Stewart). Drivers who were retiring from the sport at a younger age. They didn’t really want to race, but wouldn’t mind participating in something safer, fun, and tailored for TV motorsports entertainment.
As the SRX evolved, there were elements of Evernham’s original vision, but there were also changes. The series continued to be held on local short tracks, but the field of drivers significantly shifted.
In 2021, the first year of the SRX, only one part-time driver was full-time in NASCAR or IndyCar, which was Hailie Deegan. Even looking at the guest drivers, Chase Elliott was the sole full-time NASCAR driver on the list. That's a total of only 2 out of 20 (10 percent) drivers.
Fast-forward to 2023, and 11 out of 27 (41 percent) drivers were full-time in NASCAR or IndyCar. The series expanded to include more current drivers and fewer retired or semi-retired drivers. It’s safe to say that the participants in the series did not align with Evernham’s original vision.
Where Things Went South
Evernham provided insight into the disagreement between him and others involved with the SRX. It seems there was a disagreement about the future direction of the series.
“At the end of the year, when there's no progress financially or in other areas, you have to have a difficult conversation with the partners. This is what we agreed on and what I believe is needed for success. However, at that time, the other partners felt that a different approach was necessary for success. I didn’t agree, so I said, okay, you probably need someone else to run this because I don’t believe in the path you're taking. As a result, I stepped aside and unfortunately it has not been successful.”
Like mentioned before, the series took a different direction in the last few seasons, which Evernham didn't seem to want. He isn't happy that the SRX failed after three seasons.
He provided more information about the split between him and the SRX, particularly discussing the driver rosters and the strong focus on NASCAR.
"I believe once it shifted to mainly current cup guys, it became something very different from what I initially intended."
When we discussed what went wrong with the SRX in January, we highlighted the increasing emphasis on NASCAR as the series continued. In 2021, NASCAR drivers made up 37 percent of the grid, compared to 71 percent in 2023, a turn that Evernham didn't want.
Evernham wasn't pleased about leaving SRX. He described the experience as similar to a breakup, and knew that the series' direction wasn't sustainable.
To be honest, it bothered me to see the changes and the direction the series was taking. It's like watching your ex-girlfriend date someone else and realizing it won't be good for her… I saw the decisions they made and thought to myself, 'this won't work,' and sadly, it didn't.
Ultimately, Evernham seemed to be correct. The SRX ended up failing after just three seasons.
Would it have succeeded if it stuck to Evernham's original vision? We may never know, but it doesn't seem like Evernham found joy in the series' downfall.
Will the Series Make a Comeback?
Earnhardt Jr. directly asked Evernham if the series would return. Evernham expressed a somewhat hopeful outlook on the future of the SRX and similar series.
"I think there's a place for a series like that if it's executed properly and has a solid business case. The business case needs careful consideration, and it can't leap from point A to point D. It needs to go through points B and C. I believe there's definitely room for something like what IROC or SRX was, as a form of Motorsports entertainment."
Now that Evernham has acquired IROC, it seems that plans are already in motion for a potential new SRX or IROC. It may not happen soon, but it appears that the possibility of such a series is not gone.
The SRX went in a direction that Ray Evernham didn't want, leading to its failure. Would it have succeeded if it stayed on course? We may never know.
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This year, Duane Howard will return to full-time action with the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco on the NJ Quality Drywall South Region.
The Oley, Pa., native, a standout racer and past champion at Grandview Speedway, along with his team owner Butch Getz, have been together since the 2021 season, and now will compete in the full South Region for the first time.
Howard expressed his enjoyment of racing with Butch and his family, emphasizing the family-oriented atmosphere and his overall satisfaction with the experience.
Furthermore, he provides me with the best racing equipment.
Howard has had a distinguished career in Northeast Modified racing, securing several track championships at various locations.
Despite his many achievements, Howard has only one STSS win, which was at Georgetown (Del.) Speedway in August of 2017 while driving for Norm Hansell in the well-known No. 357.
Now in their fourth year as a team, Howard and Getz are preparing to compete for the $15,000 NJ Quality Drywall South Region championship with their No. 15G.
He explained that he reduced his schedule and focused on weekly racing as it made the most sense for the team. However, he did miss racing with the STSS and participating in the major races.
He believes that racing with the STSS and participating in major events can also make the team better, so he definitely missed it.
During the off-season, Howard and his team acquired a Kevlar big-block engine from Glenn Hyneman, and Howard is eager to use it.
He loves big-block racing and competing on larger tracks. He expressed his desire to race more and with the big-block, they can compete at places like Port Royal (Pa.), Georgetown, and Delmar (Delaware).
He has a strong desire to race at tracks like the larger one at Bridgeport (N.J.) and is eagerly looking forward to the races at Georgetown and Port Royal.
Despite being away from the STSS for years, Howard is confident that he and his team can still perform well at the front of the pack.
He believes they are capable of securing a win or two and consistently ranking in the top five in points, considering it to be a realistic goal for the team.
Regarding the possibility of Howard participating in North races, he mentioned that it's still uncertain.
He stated that they will decide based on the circumstances. While their primary focus is on weekly racing at home, they are open to considering the possibility of competing in North races if they feel it is feasible.
Howard's new season did not start well, as his race car sustained significant damage on Friday at Port Royal Speedway, despite him not being injured.
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Ernie Saxton is an auto racing contributor for MediaNews Group. He co-founded the Eastern Motorsports Press Association, served as public relations director for Grandview Speedway for 47 years, and is in multiple halls of fame for his promotion and journalism related to the sport. He has announced races at more than 100 tracks, and he is the only person to have announced a race at Madison Square Garden. Email him at [email protected].
