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Sebring International Raceway

The 12 Hours of Sebring
The Sebring Regional Airport is home to one of the most famous races in the world - The 12 Hours of Sebring International Grand Prix of Endurance. The first race was held on New Year's Eve Day, 1950, and lasted six hours. Two years later, the race was moved to March, and promoted by Russian-born Alec Ulmann. An internationalist and founder of the Sports Car Club of America, Ulmann built the competition, bringing in world-famous drivers like Sterling Moss of England, World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina, and Indy 500 winners like Bob Sweikart. Ulmann also brought in factory teams from Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar boasting drivers and crews from all over the globe. In ensuing years, competitors have come from all seven continents. Nobility, and Hollywood actors like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, have run the historic circuit.

The crush of fans has grown as well, from a few thousands at the first affair, to an estimated 80,000 last year, ranging from serious motorsports aficionados to the partiers in the infamous "Green Park" area near the hairpin turn. The Race has drawn international television coverage, becoming a staple of the ESPN March motorsports line-up. Major sponsors have recognized the high visibility of the 12-Hours such as Contac, Exxon and Coca Cola, adding their names around the track. The third week in March has become a time of excitement, pageantry, and fun for the Sebring area. The Race also provides an economic boom to the community, with full hotels, restaurants, stores and shops.

Testing and Other Activities

Testing:
With a mild year-round climate and a versatile facility, Sebring International Raceway is probably one of the most active automotive racing test facilities in the United States. A large number of Indy car and IMSA teams use Sebring's various test circuits. The winter and spring months are especially busy as teams prepare for the new season. The Sebring Airport, adjacent to the race circuit, makes it particularly convenient for drivers and team owners.

SCCA and Club Events:
The SCCA stages both regional and national non-spectator races and solo event during the year. These event bring in hundreds of competitors to Sebring during the year. Various organization such as the Porsche Club hold special events for their members at the Raceway.

Commercials:
Several TV commercials have been filmed at Sebring. Print ads are also shot at the Raceway.

Racing Schools:
Many drivers have started their careers by attending competition driving schools at Sebring. One of the largest is the Skip Barber Racing School, which has a permanent facility at the Raceway.

Sebring International Raceway is part of the Panoz Motorsports Organization. Panoz Motorsports includes Road Atlanta, Mosport Park, The Panoz Roadster and Panoz racing teams. For further details on Sebring International Raceway, contact Mr. Tres Stephenson, Raceway Director, at 113 Midway Drive, Sebring, Florida 33870; phone (863) 655-1442 or visit their website at www.sebringraceway.com.