With an absolutely spectacular 12 Hours of Sebring in the rearview mirror, which included Chamber of Commerce weather in sunny Sebring, Florida, I’ve been reminiscing about all the 12 Hours I’ve been fortunate to be a part of. From participating in the event itself to coaching clients in support races, it’s amazing to think back about how many years I’ve been a part of such a historic event.
My first Sebring 12-hour in 2014 was with the Mazda Prototype program that campaigned diesel-powered engines. Those first seasons were development years for that engine program, and by 2017 and the new DPI era, Mazda was fighting for wins in the top class. It was really special to be a part of that program.
Just the next year, in 2018, I was teaming up with Britt Casey, Jr. in the inaugural IMSA TCR class of Michelin Pilot Challenge. That was one of the most bittersweet Sebrings I’ve had, leading the closing stages of the race only to come up short on fuel running out down the back straightaway on the final lap. (Despite coming up short at Sebring, we went on to win five races that season and took the TCR championship!)
In later years, I’ve been a part of the GS class of Michelin Pilot Challenge at Sebring, and I’ve seen many coaching clients have success at this historic track.
No matter if I’m driving in the “big event” or a support race, or if I’m there to coach clients, I’m thankful to have so many fond memories of this nostalgic place that has stood the test of time (and has the concrete to prove it)!