Putting Sebring On The Map Since 1952
Sebring International Raceway is home to the legendary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring as well as year-round on-track activities including car clubs, performance driving schools, manufacturer testing and international races. Sebring is one of the country's most active racing facilities attracting more than 175 individual events on nearly 300 days a year. It is estimated that more than 300,000 fans, drivers, engineers, crew members and racing families attend events annually at Sebring International Raceway.
Here are the Facts You Need to Talk Like A Sebring Veteran
Many families plan their entire year around the legendary motorsports event often referred to as “The Woodstock of Auto Racing.” The 72nd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring runs Saturday, March 16, preceded by up to seven additional races, qualifying sessions and practices, Wednesday through Friday.
- The Raceway began its life in 1941 as a World War II B-17 combat crew training base known as Hendricks Field. After the war, the military turned the facility over to the city of Sebring. In 1950 it hosted its first race, and on March 15, 1952, the first 12-hour race was held.
- Sebring is like no other racing circuit you will ever visit. It measures 3.74-miles and has 17-turns (second longest major road course in North America). Its surface is both asphalt and the original airport concrete from Hendricks Field. It is known for its notorious bumps that have been testing cars and drivers for seven decades.
- As you enter the front gates, the entrance road leads you to The Midway, which is the Raceway’s “Main Street” and the hub of activity. Merchandise and food vendors are in this area, as are manufacturer displays and the official Raceway and IMSA apparel vendor.
- As you enter the track, the 123-room Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel, overlooking the famous Hairpin turn (Turn 7, hence the name), sits to the left. During race week, good luck getting a room there – it is the primo place to stay for the races.
- When entering, on the right is the pit building. The second level houses corporate suites, Club Sebring and the Celebrity Cruises Luxury Lounge and viewing terraces. The third and fourth floors of the tower are used by race officials and broadcasters. Behind the pit structure is the paddock, where the race teams are located.
- The Paddock is open to the public on all days. If you have a ticket, you have access to get up close to the race cars and teams as they prepare their vehicles for the day’s activities.
- Event merchandise and great IMSA-branded gear is available from the large merchandise tent located on the Midway and a smaller location in the Alan Jay Paddock. Posters, programs, tee shirts, hats and novelties branded with Sebring, IMSA and Mobil 1 Twelve Hour marks can be purchased through the event weekend. Event programs, posters and merchandise are the best way to commemorate a weekend at Sebring.
- Each year Sebring adds more grandstands, but like most North American road racing tracks, fans generally prefer to walk around and watch the action from various turns. But if you’d like to find a spot on one of Sebring’s exciting corners, free grandstands and jumbotrons are strategically placed at Turn 3 (driver’s right), Turn 6 (driver's left) Turn 7 (driver’s right), Turn 17 (driver’s left) and inside the Fan Zone right in front of a huge screen which broadcasts all the on-track action.
- The 348-acre facility has virtually no elevation changes, thus viewing mounds have been added at various locations to give spectators a better view. The majority of the circuit is subject to direct sunlight, so always bring sunscreen and walking shoes. And folding lawn chairs aren’t a bad idea either.
- Sebring does not have garages – race teams set up adjacent to their transporters and create their own temporary paddock. All ticketed guests have access to this area, making Sebring one of the most accessible and fan-friendly tracks. You can’t get any closer to the action than at Sebring.
- The Green Park section of the track is famous for partying, a tradition established during the first Sebring weekend in 1952. Fans are a huge part of the spectacle at Sebring, and you’ll see dozens of themed campsites, many of them with eclectic décor.
- Despite the party atmosphere, Sebring is also home to one of the most passionate road-racing crowds you’ll ever encounter. Car corrals for various manufacturers such as Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche and Lexus allow enthusiasts to gather and celebrate their favorite marques at one of the most important endurance races of the year in North America.
- Another great aspect of Sebring is the family atmosphere. Children 12 and under are admitted free, and autograph sessions held during race week allow them to meet drivers, get autographs and ask questions of their favorite drivers.
- Since parking is often near capacity, it’s good to know there is free parking outside Gate 4. Tram service is available from Tram Central Station located immediately inside Gate 4.
- Sports car racing can be challenging for new fans to keep up with due to the multi-class structure of the sport, but there are several ways to follow the action. Spotter’s guides are handed out at the front gate and IMSA has an app which includes a scoring feature so you can see the standings at any given time. The race cars also have a unique system where their position is displayed in LED lights on the side of the car.
- Live flag-to-flag coverage of the race is available on NBC network’s streaming service Peacock TV. Watch from your phone or dial up the streaming service on a TV monitor in your RV or camping area.
- One of the most thrilling aspects of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is watching the final three hours in near darkness. Night racing is truly an amazing experience. You’ll be hooked.
- There’s always a lot going on at Sebring International Raceway off the track, including live entertainment at the Fan Zone, vintage racecar displays, pre-race Grid Walks and fireworks after the race.
- A few other things to remember – at Sebring, on-track activity runs rain or shine (unless there is lightning or threatening weather, of course), so be prepared for a variety of conditions. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, although we have a variety of food vendors for your convenience.
- And before or after you visit Sebring International Raceway there are plenty of things to do and see in Highlands County. Highlands Hammock State Park and Historic Downtown Sebring are just two of the many attractions in the area which is also known for great golf, fishing and biking.