Planning to pop my Sebring 12hr. cherry...

Hey,
I've been to Sebring seven times since 1990. Your medic friend was probably referring to "Green Park" and the Spring Break craziness that is more about mindless intoxication and juvenile senility. This has been a real bummer that the tail is wagging the dog of this historic event.
I was really surprised when I went just last year (2007) and drove my Aston Martin DB5 to show support for the team. The local police had really "drained the swamp" and virtually eliminated the drunkenness and most of the stupidity. This was in stark contrast to the previous year's chaos. Despite the chaos of every year past, I still enjoyed every race each time. I'm planning on driving the 365 GTB/4 this year, or the Italia. Ferrari had a huge presence last year and I probably should have driven the Daytona instead of the Aston. I owned 50% of all Astons there last year - mine and the lone race car.
I usually camp out next to my car and bring a tarp if it rains. Dress warmly and stock up on beverages and you will have a great time.
Have a great time and say hello if you see a DB5, Italia, or Daytona.
Oceans

 

Wife and I went a few years back.. Camped out the night before the race.. and yes, it was crazy. Way too many drunks, that night some kid died when he fell out of the back of a truck and hit his head.. I'd love to go back if it's settled a bit.. I heard there is one campground that is more quiet and calm..

Honestly, I have never experienced anything like the Sebring experience. Waking up early to get the best spot on the berm... the ingenious engineering of track-side "chalets'.. and the race itself..

It's one of those racing "must-do's" as far as I am concerned.

 

Forgot to mention that your good time will be enhanced if you buy a paddock parking ticket ahead of time. This is where the cool cars park and the honest enthusiasts hang out. Some of the shennanigans are very entertaining, but the reason for the event is sportscar racing and a paddock pass eliminates most of the goofy revelers disturbing you sleep at 03:00 am.

 

You just need the right camping gear

We call it "roughing it" when there are no 220V 50Amp hook ups

 

Camped there a dozen years, still alive, still have 10 fingers and toes

 

I was going to attempt to be brave and go last year, but after seeing pictures of the event, I decided it might be a little wild even for me. I'd definitely need to drink quite a bit to enjoy myself. Do they serve martinis there?

Maaaybe this year...

 

steph....lets do it!!

 

You AND me?! I don't think Sebring is ready for US!

 

It was great last year, And after the race a few of us watched the F1 race on Sat. It was a great time to remember.

 

I have never had a problem throwing down the air mattress and sleeping bag next to the car. When I first bought the Aston Martin DB5 back in 93 the first Sebring I could take it to was in 94 and I have a picture of the car festooned with tarps due to the rain. I made a lean-to and slept like a babe. My friend was in the race driving a Corvette. It was a simpler time and access to the pits was very easy.
Despite the nonstop rain that year we all had a great time. But the best time I've ever had there was in 2006 when Aston Martin of Tampa showed up with a hospitality tent and car corral. Did the parade lap in the DB5, had access to the Chalet etc. What a blast!
Looking forward to bringing the Daytona to Sebring for the second time.
Oceans

 

My girlfriend (now fiance) went to Sebring for the first time last year. We rented a panel van from Enterprise, put some foding chairs and a matress in back and had a great time. It was a little rowdy what with a few couch burnings and such, but for the most part everyone was well behaved. We arrived at about 10am and were still able to get a parking spot on the fence overlooking the track. We watched from the front seats when we were tired of walking around. Go, it will be be a good time. Bring earplugs, though. It is incessantly loud.

George

 

Can I watch???!!!!