Superstar Racing Experience has “postponed” its fourth season, which was scheduled to begin this summer.
“It is with deep disappointment that we announce the postponement of SRX’s fourth season,” read a statement issued by the series. “We entered the next phase of our racing series with great anticipation and excitement for what was ahead. Our expectations, however, have been tempered by market factors that have proven to be too much to overcome. Time has run out to put forth the kind of events our fans, partners, drivers and tracks deserve.
“We are actively exploring strategic options for the series’ long-term potential. We made the announcement now to allow our partners the time and flexibility to best serve their interests.”
The news comes just days after SRX co-founder Ray Evernham, who ended his day-to-day involvement with the series after the inaugural season, announced that he had partnered with Rob Kauffman to revive the IROC brand — the original version of which closed down in 2006, and later formed the template for SRX.
[lawrence-related id=344519]
The Tony Stewart-owned SRX series enjoyed a rapid rise with a concept based around identical cars, short tracks, a compact summer schedule and big names behind the wheel, all propelled by a primetime broadcast deal with CBS for its first two seasons before moving to ESPN’s “Thursday Night Thunder” last year. Stewart, Marco Andretti and Ryan Newman all won titles during the SRX’s three years of operation.