SEBRING, Fla. – Sebring has been the harbinger of spring for seven decades in the world of motorsports.
The famed Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Part traditionally runs in mid-March, but for the first time ever the legendary race will take place in the fall.
The 68th 12-Hour sports car race runs on Saturday, Nov. 14, rescheduled from its original March date amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the fall date is a departure from tradition, this year’s race has added significance as it will serve as the season finale of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. With several titles on the line, Sebring will likely have more drama than ever.
Three other series will be racing at Sebring to determine their championships: The Alan Jay 120 Michelin Pilot Challenge, two Porsche GT3 Cup races and two Lamborghini Super Trofeo events.
The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring has been voted North America’s No. 1 Motorsports Race for two consecutive years in a poll conducted by USA Today. The raceway evolved from a World War II B-17 training base known as Hendricks Field, and its rough and challenging 3.74-mile circuit includes portions of the original air base runways. The 12-hour classic began in 1952. Only once has it been held outside of March, when the 1967 edition was run on April 1.
The race is scheduled to return to its traditional March date next year (March 17-20, 2021).
“Sebring has incredibly loyal and dedicated fans,” said Sebring Int’l Raceway President and General Manager Wayne Estes. “Despite being held at a different time of year, we are confident our fans will witness an outstanding event.”
Due to IMSA event calendar adjustments necessitated by the pandemic, Sebring also hosted an IMSA race in July.
“Our July event proved fans, competitors and race officials could meet all the requirements and guidelines necessary for such an event,” added Estes. “Given our expansive outdoor setting and individual viewing locations, our procedures worked well, and we look forward to welcoming our fans back in November.”