In 2001, Lazier competed in the International Race of Champions as a representative of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, with Eddie Cheever, Mark Dismore and Scott Goodyear – latterly replaced by Al Unser Jr. for the final two races of the season due to injuries received at the Indianapolis 500 – also representing the series. Lazier, as with the other drivers, drove a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. At the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, Lazier started in 8th place and finished in 11th place due to a crash on lap 27 with Jeff Burton. At the following race at Talladega Superspeedway, Lazier started and finished in 3rd place. At the third race of the season at Michigan International Speedway, Lazier started in 7th place and finished in 6th place. At the final race of the season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lazier started in 4th place and finished in 11th place due to another crash with Burton, who had led every lap in the race up to that point. Lazier finished in 9th place in the final championship standings with 31 points, earning $40,000 for his efforts.