IMSA is back for the annual running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, marking the 72nd edition of this challenging endurance race. Known for its bumpy surface and unpredictable weather, Sebring International Raceway is set to host a frantic and hard-fought event. With 58 entrants across four categories, this is a must-watch race for any motorsport fan. Last year’s edition saw dramatic moments and a high number of retirements, making it a race to remember.
The qualifying session last year saw Porsche Penske facing difficulties when driver Matt Campbell crashed. This year, they have a chance for redemption with the recently-crowned Daytona 24 Hours winner, if given the responsibility to qualify again. Cadillac dominated qualifying last year, with Sebastien Bourdais taking pole position for Chip Ganassi Racing. The race itself was filled with incidents, leading to retirements and damage for many contenders. Porsche Penske and other teams will be seeking redemption this year.
The GTP standings are currently led by the #7 Porsche Penske crew, followed by the #31 Wherlen Cadillac Racing team and the #40 WTR Andretti Acura ARX-06. Lamborghini will continue to run their two entries in the GTD Pro category, while also introducing their single SC63 for the Endurance Cup. The demanding surfaces and corners of Sebring will be a test for the first Ligier-LMDh chassis.
With a record entry of 58 cars, chaos is expected on the track. Managing tires, respecting the bumps, and navigating through traffic will be crucial for teams to avoid costly incidents. Unlike Daytona, Sebring’s narrow corners and blind bumps present a different challenge. The physical demands on drivers will require them to conserve energy throughout the race. Taking risks and maintaining pace without errors will be key.
Sunset Bend, the final turn at Sebring, will test the mid-corner stability of cars, especially for Bronze drivers. Navigating through lapped GTD traffic will require careful attention from the prototype classes. The Sebring 12H is known for its action-packed and unpredictable nature, making it one of the most exciting races in sportscar racing. It will be thrilling to see who can conquer the challenging bumps at Sebring.