Mario Andretti
A 3-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring.
via Wikipedia: Sebring International Raceway · see source
Mario Andretti is a 3-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race held at the Sebring International Raceway. The track itself is a challenging road course built on the runways of a former World War II Army Airfield. Andretti's experience at Sebring is part of his broader career in sports car racing, where he competed in endurance events that test both driver and machine on the rough, bumpy concrete and asphalt surfaces of the historic Florida circuit.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Racing Legend
- Primary disciplines
- Formula One
- IndyCar
- Sports Car
Lore & Background
Mario Andretti's connection to Sebring is defined by his three victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race known for being even harder on machinery and drivers than the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The track's surface, a mix of 3.04 miles of asphalt and 0.7 miles of concrete, includes old sections of World War II-era landing fields with large seams that can cause sparks to fly from the undercarriages of cars. Andretti himself noted that one of the hardest parts about the original Sebring track was 'finding the track to begin with,' as it was poorly marked with white lines and cones, leading to drivers getting lost even during the day. This demanding environment made his victories a true test of skill and endurance.
Reader's Guide
Mario Andretti is a 3-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race that has been a major international event since its first running on March 15, 1952. The race is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and is the second of four races in the Michelin Endurance Cup. The track itself is a 3.741-mile, seventeen-turn road course with long straights and very technical slower corners. Due to Florida's flat nature, there is very little elevation change, and the track is renowned for its rough, bumpy, and changing surfaces. Andretti's success at Sebring places him among the legends of a race that is seen as an ideal preparation run for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
More in Drivers & Personalities
Elsewhere in Forza
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced