The racing legend Mario Andretti heads the first group of inductees selected for the «Class of 75», an exclusive list that will honor the most successful drivers in the history of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The complete list of 75 drivers will be revealed in batches of 15 until January, as preparation for the commemoration of the 75th edition of this mythical endurance race, scheduled for March 20, 2027.
This selection has been drafted and voted on by a panel of 10 motorsport experts, with the aim of celebrating this significant anniversary. Sebring International Raceway held its first 12-hour race on March 15, 1952, and the event has been held continuously, with only one interruption due to the global energy crisis of 1974.
The selected drivers are divided into random groups of 15. The first 15 names include icons from various generations of the revered circuit.
Notable Drivers
Bob Akin, a native of New York, competed at Sebring from 1978 to 1987, achieving two overall victories. His first was in 1979 and his second in 1986, besides setting an average speed record that stood for 23 years.
Mario Andretti shone with three overall victories in six participations, highlighting his mythical victory in 1970, where he surpassed Peter Revson in an intense finish.
The Portuguese driver Joao Barbosa participated in 14 editions of the race since 2000, winning his first class victory in 2012 and an overall title in 2015, during which he led 248 of the 340 laps.
Geoff Brabham, another notable name, achieved two victories in four attempts at Sebring with Nissan between 1989 and 1992, including a win in his first race.
Derek Daly, with one of the best winning percentages on the circuit, debuted in 1990 and achieved two overall victories. His brave style and consistency have made him a remembered name at Sebring.
Veterans like Phil Hill and Bruce Jennings have also left a mark in the history of the circuit with multiple participations and victories.
The Path to Commemoration
The unveiling of these first 15 drivers is just the beginning of celebrations that will culminate in the big race in March. The next wave of names will be made public on October 13, with more groups announced until January to complete the «Class of 75» list.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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