Sebring

Sebring has been one of the most famous names in American racing ever since the concrete runways of this World War II airfield (where pilots had trained on B-17 Flying Fortresses) were first used in 1950. Within two years, the first of the now traditional 12-hour sports car races was staged with Harry Gray and Larry Kulok’s Frazer-Nash successful. The first World Championship United States Grand Prix was also held here in 1959. Although it was the only time Formula 1 would visit Sebring, it was a memorable race. Bruce McLaren became the youngest winner to that date and his record would stand for over 40 years. Meanwhile, his Cooper team-mate Jack Brabham pushed his car across the line to clinch his first World Championship. However, attendance was disappointing and the race moved to Riverside in 1960. The formerly abrasive surface was repaved with tarmac in 1991 and new owner Don Panoz further modernised the venue with new pit complex, hospitality units and a hotel adjacent to the hairpin all opened in 1999. NASCAR acquired the venue in 2012 as part of its purchase of the Panoz Motor Racing Group.