HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour As soon as HSR announced their plans to host 12 hours of historic racing at Sebring’s infamous concrete raceway I immediately started planning my trip for December. I wanted to make an adventure out of it so I booked the cheapest flight to Tampa and made my way to sunny Florida. From Tampa I hopped an Amtrak train south for a comfortable 2-hour ride to Sebring. All I had was my camera, a few pair of clothes, sleeping bag and a tent. I found a taxi waiting outside Sebring Station that took me to the circuit and from there I had three days of vintage cars and beautiful weather ahead of me.
The weekend featured a diverse group of entries, from two Audi LMP1 prototypes to a stunning Aston Martin DB214, several Group C and GTP cars from the early 90’s and even a Doyle Racing Oldsmobile powered LMP that won the 24 hours of Daytona in 1996. The paddock had a little something for everyone and was busy all weekend. After the sun went down over turn 17 things didn’t slow down as there was plenty of night racing on hand. Brake glow, backfires and headlights are all you could see along most of the dimly lit trackside. The racing just seems to blend together in the dark and before you know it the night is over.
Sebring is one of the best tracks for camping and spectating. The weather is great, the historic significance is palpable and the track is one of the most demanding circuits in the world. HSR has created a great event to complement the IMSA 12 hour and hopefully 2017 will be even bigger and better.
You can get more stories and beautiful photography sent straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.