Sebring, FL - Sebring International Raceways Hall of Fame Selection Committee has announced its 2004 inductees. Sir Stirling Moss, Mario Andretti and Carroll Shelby, Bobby Rahal, Bob and Al Holbert, race official Ford Heacock Sr., and the legendary manufacturer Ferrari headline the prestigious list of inductees. Induction ceremonies take place Friday March 19, the day before the 52nd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, at the Chateau Elan Hotel and Spa overlooking the raceways famous Hairpin Turn. The Sebring Hall of Fame luncheon is a non-profit event that benefits the Sebring International Raceway Hall of Fame Museum fund. Moss recorded a stunning upset win at Sebring in 1954, driving an OSCA with Bill Lloyd. He finished second in 1957 and set the fastest race lap three times. His stellar career includes numerous sports car and Formula One Grand Prix wins. Andretti is one of only four three-times winners at Sebring. His dramatic 1970 win driving a Ferrari 512S is considered one of the greatest moments in Sebring history. Andrettis incredible career includes Indy 500 and Daytona 500 wins and the Formula One World Championship. Shelby and his namesake Cobras are road racing legends. As a driver, Shelby won Le Mans in 1959 and finished second at Sebring in 1955. His cars won the GT class at Sebring in 1964 and 65, and his Shelby American team engineered an overall win for Ford in 1966. Rahal won the 1987 Sebring endurance classic driving a Porsche 962 with Jochen Mass. In 1982 he won the pole and finished second. A long-time supporter of sports car racing, Rahals career includes a win at the 1986 Indy 500. Bob Holbert and his son Al each had remarkable careers at Sebring. Al Holbert won twice at Sebring (1976 and 81), and also recorded two second-place finishes. A three-time Le Mans winner, Holberts brilliant career was cut short in a 1988 plane crash. Bob Holbert drove to a record six class victories, including second overall in 1960 and a historic GT class win driving a Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe in 1964. Ferrari becomes only the second manufacturer inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame. The legendary Prancing Horse has won Sebring 12 times, with 16 major class wins, nine pole positions and fastest race lap 11 times. Ferrari has recorded similar success at other major sports car events in addition to its many Formula One achievements. Ford Heacock, Sr., a key official during the infancy of Sebrings classic endurance race, will also be inducted. The 2004 inductees represent some of the greatest names in road racing history, stated Sebring Raceway President Tres Stephenson. The selection committee had the difficult task of narrowing the list to this exclusive group. We are truly honored to have such a prestigious class of inductees. The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is Americas oldest sports car endurance race, held on a 3.7 mile road course that originated as a Word War II B-17 training base called Hendricks Field. The premier race of the American Le Mans Series features the worlds best road racing cars and drivers. Previous inductees include Juan Manuel Fangio, Dan Gurney, Jim Hall, John Fitch, Porsche, IMSA founder John Bishop and former promoters Alec and Mary Ulmann, Charles Mendez and John Greenwood. Induction ceremonies are held every-other year. A limited number of tickets are available to the Sebring International Raceway Hall of Fame luncheon. For further information call 800-626-7223.
Tickets to the Sebring Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and reception are $150.00 and extremely limited availablity. The tickets will become available on Monday February 2nd. Call Gwen Tondee at Sebring International Raceway for details. 800-626-7223. BHW
The entry deadline for Sebring was yesterday (Friday January 30th) and Ferrari is represented in the GTS and GT classes. GTS: Barron-Connor Racing will be bringing two factory built 575 GTCs with announced drivers Danny Sullivan and John Bosch. The rest of the driving line up is TBA. Care Racing has a two car entry featuring the 2003 Le Mans winning Prodrive built 550 GT Maranellos. Drivers are TBA but should include Tomas Enge, David Brabham and Darren Turner. No word on Rafanelli. My last flyer from the team was they were working on landing sponsorship and that it was eminent but their name is not on the entry list. GT: Risi Competizione will be entering their beautiful 360 GT Modena for drivers Ralf Kelleners and Anthony Lazarro. A new team, United Nations Racing, is entered with a two car 360 GT Modena team. Drivers are TBA. No word on JMB. Perhaps someone closer to the team may know what is happening with them. BHW
I just called. The price for a 1 day ticket on Saturday, 3/20 the day of the race, is $65. The race starts at 10 a.m. Plus $10 for parking for the day. This is the cheapest ticket price. You can sit anywhere you want including the grandstands if there is space availalble. They suggest bringing a lawn chair or you can walk around pretty much where ever you want except the pit areas. All of the vendors and food peole are in the infield. Hope this is helpful. The number to call is 800-626-7223. After 2/28 the price for the same ticket goes to $75.
I'm headed down that week.. Will be attending Saturday, and possibly Friday as well for the support races..
Good article on SportcarPros.com previewing Sebring by Michael Cotton today. http://www.sportscarpros.com/across-the-border-features-from-guests/features/central-highland-fling/default.htm BHW
