– by Evan Weiner –

We’re back in the U.S. this week, hopping from Cicuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans) in France to the Sebring International Raceway in the red, white and blue of Florida.  While images of Miami Beach, half naked women and garish sunglasses peeping out of brightly colored prancing stallions and raging bulls may come to mind, we here in California aren’t the only ones with the U.S.’s best tracks.  Tucked away in an air force base turned commercial airport, the Sebring International Raceway is not only 17 turns of auto racing glee, but arguably the most important track in the U.S.  With its first race being run in 1950, Sebring is one the oldest continuously-operating tracks in the country and home to the first U.S. F1 Grand Prix in 1959.  Okay, so the U.S. F1 was quickly moved to California the next year, but Sebring was by no means doomed.  Perhaps its biggest trophy is as host to the 12 Hours of Sebring, held 7 years before the first U.S. F1 GP, which has become a major international race, officially putting Sebring on the map of sought-after circuits.

Major international racing events don’t just end up on old army base, though; this course is fast, challenging and dynamic.  At 3.7 miles long (after being shortened a handful of times in the 80’s due to safety concerns among active runways), Sebring packs 17 turns, with both high-speed corners and highly technical slower maneuvers.  Most of these turns are named after teams and drivers, with Turn 17, or the ‘Sunset Bend,’ being the most famous for its long, fast right turn that can fit up to three cars wide.  What makes this track fun and interesting for drivers and spectators alike is its non-traditional, and dare we say, non-ideal attributes.  As mentioned before, this track sits on a retired air force base so the asphalt is no baby’s bottom.  Large seams between concrete slabs still remain, often times sending sparks from under the endurance racing machines that grace its surfaces.  Mix these varied surfaces with minuscule elevation changes and a minor camber effect and you’ve got yourself a highly challenging but highly unique racing experience.

So whether you catch the next 12 Hours of Sebring, learn to race at Skip Barber or play nearly any auto racing video game, Sebring, in all its rough, Floridian glory will be on your mind.  And just as the Sebring International Raceway is known for elevating challenge and excitement, our ‘Sebring’ Membership Program adds miles, time, options and exclusivity to your Club Sportiva experience.

Click here to learn more about Club Sportiva Club Memberships