2021 Sebring Chamber Area Guide (4)

Racing
Roots:
From Runways
to Raceway
Sebring International Raceway
America’s oldest and most prestigious road
racing track originated from Hendricks
Field, a WWII military air base that trained
B-17 combat crews. When the base closed
in 1946 it was turned over to the City of
Sebring for use as an airport and industrial
park.
Aviation entrepreneur and sports car enthusiast
Alec Ulmann promoted the first race at
Sebring on Dec. 31, 1950. The track utilized
airport runways and access roads within the
former military base. Sports car racing at
Sebring grew rapidly and the annual
12-hour endurance classic became known
internationally. The world’s top drivers and
manufacturers competed at Sebring every
year, attracting thousands of fans and
world-wide media coverage.
Legendary drivers such as Mario Andretti,
A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney have won at
Sebring, driving cars built by Ferrari,
Porsche, Jaguar, Ford, BMW, Chevrolet,
Nissan, Toyota and many other manufacturers.
Steve McQueen and Paul Newman
are just two of the many celebrities who
have competed at Sebring.
The track has evolved dramatically over the
years, with constant improvements to the
facility. Located adjacent to Sebring
Regional Airport, Sebring International
Raceway is busy all year with testing, club
events, racing schools and other events.
The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, held
annually every March, was recently voted
the #1 Motorsports Event in North America
by readers of USA Today. Sebring International
Raceway is proud of this important
recognition and welcomes the many race
fans who visit Sebring and Highlands County
every year.
Sebring International Raceway
For more information please visit
sebringraceway.com and follow Sebring
International Raceway on social media.
40
Sebring Chamber of Commerce