Hey everyone, I just got back from the 12 Hours of Sebring. It was my first time to the 12 Hours and my first time to a professional race since the 2003 CART GP of Mid-Ohio.

It felt like something from a dream. I flew down after school on Friday, got a ride with some friends from Orland, and camped out trackside in Audi's hospitality tent.

In the morning a wooshing VVVVVRRRROOOOooooooooommmmm was my alarm clock as the teams started warm-up at 7:50. I walked around the paddock after the session and caught some up-close glimpses of the likes of the Maserati, Aston Marten DBR9, and Saleen S-7. I don't know why but my interest gravitated towards the GT1 class.

Witnessing the Audi R8 dive into turn 1 at night is beyond words. The headlights and noise come first, like a banchee running for it's life. Then it roared into sight, screaming in agony as it went down 3 gears,with front and rear brakes glowing orange while it almost effortlessly glided towards the apex and out of sight. Something every car enthusiast should see at least once.

I wish I could have seen the support races, but school's holding me prisioner for another few months. I have some pictures if you guys want me to post any, but there weren't any RX-8's there. I did snap some of the Formula Mazda Pro Cars though.

 

How did the C6 R look?

 

The 'vettes looked impressive, and you allways knew when they went by with thier distinctive low growl. The Aston Martins really looked intimidating, and mopped up the track. Finishing only 20 laps behind the R8's is an amazing result.

 

I drove down on Thursday so we could see the Friday support races, including Star Mazda and Speed World Challenge Touring (with the Mazda 6's and Proteges) and GT races.

Unfortunately the TriPoint team didn't win its Touring race despite qualifying on pole. Altenburg (sp) was knocked off track on Lap 1 at turn 3, and then drove a spectacular race from last place to finish 3rd overall in his Mazda 6.

Came away with all sorts of Mazdaspeed stuff (calendars, vinyl graphics, and a hat) from the TriPoint folks when I visited their tent on Saturday. They are a great team!

In the 12 hour, the Aston Martins and the Maserati MC-12 get the prize for best sounding motors (serious V-12 scream). Both teams did very well for their maiden ALMS outings. Interestingly the Corvette Corral went about 80 percent empty by the end of the race, even though the Aston was only 1 lap ahead of the Vette. Guess they are all too old and needed to get some sleep....

Pretty good bikini contest Saturday afternoon, I might add!

 

Please post some pics if you have time...

 

...Of the bikini contest.

 

But SPEEDvision covered the bikini contest and will probably air as part of a special on Sebring at a later date.

Maserati MC12, Astons, and TVR below:

 

Note the Mazda headed for the fence on Lap 1

 

at Sebring the 3rotor renesis will debut...you going??????

 

I think you mean Road Atlanta. It will be easier for me to catch up with the ALMS at Mid Ohio or Road America later this year.

 

Hey RenesisRacer, you should have looked for me there, I would had had you in our hospitality for the weekend... #46 Pro Mazda.

 

:D are you competing in any races near Minnesota?

 

Hey Louis, I flew down on Friday night and got to the track about 2 in the morning on Saturday. I camped out with some friends at the Audi Corral. I walked through the paddock every once in a while during the 12 hour, I saw your car and snapped a picture but it didn't look like you were there.

I'll be at several Star Mazda races this season and I'd love to come and see you and your operation (especially if it means free food!) .

Sorry I've been slow with the pictures, but they're about twice as big as the site will allow. Can I get around that somehow or do I need to make them smaller?

Sorry again Ned, I must have missed the bikini contest...

 

we just had out 12 hours down here @ sebring...I didn't get to go this year, but because of the people i hang out w/and the SCCA memberships that all have, we get to work the pits. I did 24 hours in daytona last year, but had to work through it this year needless to say, both are an enjoyable experiance and somthing you'll remember forever and ever and ever