Sebring ‘Class of 75’ to be Announced Over Next Five Months

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

As part of the celebration of the 75th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring to be run March 20, a panel of ten sports car racing experts have selected the ‘Class of 75’ – the 75 greatest drivers ever to participate in the world-renowned race.

Beginning on Sept. 15, and again on the second Tuesday of each month through January, 15 drivers from the list will be announced.

Predictably, the ‘Class of 75’ is a who’s who of drivers who have competed in the grueling once-around-the-clock battle at Sebring.

A driver’s success away from Sebring International Raceway was not factored into the selection.

In total, drivers on the list made 878 career starts at Sebring, accounting for 109 overall victories and 93 class wins.

“As we celebrate 75 magical years of racing at Sebring International Raceway, it’s only fitting we kick off the next seven months of festivities by recognizing the best drivers who found success in one of the most challenging sports car races in the world,” said Sebring International Raceway President and general manager Matt Muha.

“Much of our activity and thanks around the celebration will be focused on the fans but given the fans’ focus on drivers and teams, this is a great way to start our activities so that fans everywhere can get behind this and anticipate which drivers might be coming on future lists.”

Like the drivers themselves, the selection committee is a group of individuals uniquely qualified to select the 75 greatest drivers in the history of the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The group was organized by track raceway president Wayne Estes, who also spearheaded the project as one of his final projects before retirement: Ken Breslauer, Holly Cain, John Doonan, Jonathan Ingram, Charles Mendez, Doug Morton, Marshall Pruett, Janos Wimpffen, Mark Raffauf and Adam Saal.

Source: Sports Car 365