Photo : Pierre BARRAU - ACO/Nikon

In 1999, the 12 Hours of Sebring marked the kickoff of the first season of the American Le Mans Series. A new series dedicated to endurance born of the passion of one man: Don Panoz.

Born in 1935, Don Panoz built his fortune in the pharmaceutical industry. He invented the nicotine patch, which was developed within the Elan Corporation, which still holds the world patent. Then in 1989, he invested in motorsport with the creation of Panoz Auto Development, headed by his son Dan. The silhouette of the Esperante GT-1 and other front-engined Panoz prototypes quickly gained popularity, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1999, he concluded an agreement with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest for the use of its technical regulations. This was the birth of the American Le Mans Series, including the 12 Hours of Sebring that is now the traditional start to the season.

Don Panoz is also the owner of the Road Atlanta circuit, that hosts a race of 1000 miles (1600 km, or ten hours) dubbed 'Petit Le Mans'. Created on 1998, it became the following year's closing race of the ALMS season. Within a decade, the series has restored the prestige of endurance in the USA contributing to its revival in Europe with the creation of the Le Mans Endurance Series in 2004, that became Le Mans Series in 2006. Following the success of the Porsche RS Spyder, ALMS is now dominated by the prototypes developed by Honda Performance Development, with two consecutive titles in 2009 and 2010 for Highcroft Racing. The GT class is just as healthy with the presence of Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche and BMW, all represented by factory teams. This exceptional line-up and the heritage of the 12 Hours of Sebring, has led to this event in 2011 that is both the opening round of American Le Mans Series and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

The 12 Hours of Sebring will be held on 19th March.

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo: LE MANS, June 8, 2010. Don Panoz visiting La Sarthe for the presentation of its latest GT, Abruzzi, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.