Photo : - ALMS

As it has (almost) every year since 1952 in the month of March, Florida hosts the first major event of the endurance racing calendar: the 12 Hours of Sebring, which will also launch the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in just over one week from now.

The circuit was set out on a former USAF airfield, strewn with aircraft and abandoned hangars. The first race was won by Harry Gray and Larry Kulok driving a Frazer Nash. The inclusion of the 12 Hours of Sebring in the World Championship of makes attracted many manufacturers, and the cream of motor sport. This American race became a major event in the history of endurance racing. Since 1952, it has attracted no fewer than 37 winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and four World Champions of Formula 1 (Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, John Surtees, Mario Andretti) to Florida. The circuit of Sebring hosted the great battles in the history of endurance between Ford vs Ferrari in the 60's and Porsche vs Ferrari in the early 70's.

The mid-80's was also a golden age for prototypes, with the success of the Porsche 962, Nissan 300 ZX, Eagle-Toyota, and Ferrari 333SP. Then, after the creation of the American Le Mans Series in 1999, the 12 Hours of Sebring became the traditional inaugural event. The unique nature of the circuit, with its uneven concrete slabs, meant that it has also been the opportunity for teams who aim to test reliability of their equipment ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the first time, the 12 Hours of Sebring will also launch the Intercontinental le Mans Cup 2011. The poster announces the new confrontation between Audi and Peugeot, which will begin in Florida with two new Peugeot 908.

The 12 Hours of Sebring will be held on the 19th March 2011.

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo: Sebring (Florida, USA), 20 March 2010. The two Peugeot 908 HDi FAP have a 'one-two' finish.