IROC will feature seven NASCAR drivers

Johnson, Newman and Busch accept invitation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Jimmie Johnson, who finished fifth in his first season in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Tuesday announced that he had accepted an invitation to compete in the 2003 True Value International Race of Champions.

ALSO  Stewart turns down IROC invite

Johnson made the call at a lunchtime media appearance during NASCAR Preseason Thunder. He is one of seven NASCAR drivers that will compete in the series of four 100-mile races that matches 12 drivers from different motorsports disciplines.

Other NASCAR participants include Busch Series champion Greg Biffle, Craftsman Truck Series champ Mike Bliss, Winston Cup Rookie of the Year Ryan Newman, Mark Martin, Kurt Busch and defending IROC champion Kevin Harvick.

The announcement comes on the heels of Johnson's participation in the 2002 Nation's Cup competition on Gran Canaria -- which matched top car and motorcycle racers from around the world competing on teams representing their countries.

Johnson competed with the owner of his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet on the Winston Cup Series, Jeff Gordon, and World Superbike champion Colin Edwards to win the title for the United States. He said the IROC invite was an additional thrill.

"I remember watching the IROC races as a kid," Johnson said. "I hoped that I would be good enough someday to be invited and I'm looking forward to it."

Johnson won three Winston Cup races and four Bud Poles and finished second to Newman in the rookie of the year race.

The series opens during Speedweeks 2003 at Daytona International Speedway and also includes rounds at Talladega Superspeedway, Chicagoland Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Earlier Tuesday, defending Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart said he had declined his invitation in order to concentrate on defending his Cup championship. Gordon started that trend in 2002 when he declined his IROC invite.

World of Outlaws champions Danny Lasoski (2001) and Steve Kinser (2002), 2002 IRL champ Sam Hornish, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and IRL driver Felipe Giaffone complete the IROC field.