The many sides of Sebring:

"When I won Sebring in '96, I knew right away that it was big," said WayneTaylor, from Altamonte Springs, Fla., who drives for Team Cadillac. "The parties and fans at Sebring are unbelievable. All of the people crowding around the victory podium and the cheering is something I will never
forget and want to experience again."

The 50th anniversary of the Sebring 12 hour race was an event missed by no true sports car fan. The track, out in the middle of Florida works like a magnet to attract fans from both ends of the spectrum to its’ hot and dusty territory. At this years event, 60 cars and their drivers tested their abilities long into the night as Americas oldest sports car race guaranteed excitement. For this one weekend the race track resembled a village of race fans from all walks of life, and like any neighborhood Sebring raceway has an imaginary border from one to the other.

I’ve lounged in the chic hospitality suites at Sebring, loitered in cool comfort while munching on catered fare. But this year I experienced the race the other way through the spirit of Turn 10. If you’ve ever made the trek to corner 10 please beware of the minefield of empty cans and bottles along the way. Arriving, you will be greeted by race fans decked in their party attire – hospitality awaits you. Leader of the pack is the famous Jupiter John a mainstay in this corner for 10 years now. It’s because of him that we find the spirit of turn ten growing from what he believes was 10-15 people at the beginning to now around 60 that will take part in the festivities. The scaffolding is erected, the beer chilled and the deep fried turkey set to cook – no need for an invite – there will be enough for everyone. His love of the sport has him and his followers coming back for more year after year. The signs hung off the side are in support of the drivers whom have a special place in Jupiter John's heart. “Go Shane Go” is in honor of driver Shane Lewis who by the grace of god became John’s neighbor a few years back. In support of his neighbor and because Jupiter John loves a good race, it's a shrine. The spirit is certainly contagious as I remember the kindness and generosity I received from my Turn 10 family.

Known as probably the best American road race, Sebring is rich with history and excitement. Names like Mario Andretti, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and Dan Gurney are just a handful of the drivers that have driven this former WWII military base. Hendricks Field as it was originally known held its’ first race December 31, 1950 thanks to the hard work of one man Alec Ulmann. The success of this 6 hour race made it possible to have the first Sebring 12 hour race on May 15, 1952 two years later. Thirty-two cars started that rain delayed race running the 5.2 mile circuit. The Kulok/Gray Frazer-Nash took the checkered flag that day six laps ahead of the next competitor – a big difference to the 9.2 second finish J.J. Lehto had in the BMW had in 1999. The 1955 race saw the first female racer, Isabelle Haskell compete.

So full of history and stories – Sebring memories are not just from the locals. “This race is for the fan” says Linda who is here all the way from England. My husband and I have traveled across Europe to attend many races but Sebring is the most fun”. Their RV is parked in the midst of sea of identical trailers and as we chat many people come and go throughout the campground without notice. “We’ve come to the race three years now and each year we meet more people who we have become friends with.” With a grin she adds, “I just find that we have more pints [beers] here but lucky for us we are not driving”.

In 2002 Johnny Herbert made the winning move on a restart and helped Audi win its third straight Twelve Hours of Sebring Saturday. The 50th annual running attracted more than 160,000 fans to the 3.7-mile Florida road course. Whether or not your tastes are beer or champagne – This is a race you should never miss.