Page 12 - Drag Racing Magazine

photo by chrIStopher caMpbell 12 Sebring International Raceway is one of the oldest and most historic road race tracks in the U.S. In 1950, Sebring hosted their first race on a 3.3 mile winding course featuring 12 turns on the circuit. A former U.S. Army airfield used for the training of B-17 bomber pilots and crews during WWII, the facility at Sebring was transformed into a beautiful 3.74 mile road course that incorporates sections of the old airfield runways within the track design. While the race track enjoys significant use throughout the year with various road races, including the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Advance Auto Parts, sports car club events, competitive driving and racing schools, the track also hosts drag racing of the heads-up variety. On various dates from April through November, Sebring transforms the main straight of the road course into a 1/8 mile drag strip. The track’s crew installs the starting and finish beams, the Christmas tree, prepares the water boxes and track surface. Race fans have great viewing of the action from alongside the track as well as a wonderful vantage point on the second-story, covered viewing area overlooking the track. For those fans looking for more comfort while watching the drag races, Club Sebring has a fully-enclosed suite overlooking the drag strip with room for 225 attendees, great for the warm Florida evenings where a cool drink and air-conditioning are most welcome while watching the racing action below. During 2019, Sebring started drag racing in early April and wrapped up in late November with a total of 11 racing dates throughout the season. Cars and motorcycles in various classes mixed it up throughout the year. The Summer Showdown, June 1-2, and the Battle at the Bridge, August 24-25, were two of the SEBRING DRAG RACING Sebring’s Iconic Road Racing Course Transforms Into “Heads-Up” Drag Strip Throughout the Year biggest drag racing events at Sebring, which drew thousands to the track for both events. While drag racing was the main draw for many fans, there was something for everyone with burnout contests, competitive car drifting on 2 large skid-pads, car show, live band and plenty of on-site food vendors. The track’s record was broken a few times during the racing season. During June’s races, John Platt, Jr, Cocoa FL., set the record at 5.036, which was almost beaten by John Townsend’s 5.038. In October, Platt’s hit of 4.993 was the first ever 4-second pass at Sebring. Then, in late November, Platt raised the bar again with a quick hit of 4.985 at the 1/8 mile strip. Keep an eye out for Sebring’s 2020 drag racing schedule, currently in the planning stages, which should be available soon on Sebring International Raceway’s website. DRAG RACING MAGAZINe JAN - feb 2020 Vol. 1 No. 1 Sebring Drag Racing