Get-Ad Free Access: Join Today!
Sean Smith·
Vintage Racecar Articles

Sebring ’76

The starting grid for the 1976 12 Hours of Sebring was led by the Corvette of John Greenwood/Mike Brockman and the BMW of David Hobbs and Benny Parsons. The Greenwood Corvette led the opening 15 laps until they were overtaken by the Hobbs/Parsons BMW. However, both cars would soon suffer misfortunes that would hand the lead over to the Porsches. Photo: Hal Crocker

The 12-Hours of Sebring remains the oldest established sports car endurance race to be held in the United States, although with a partly glorious, somewhat patchy history.

 Always a popular spring break destination, Sebring enjoyed an oftentimes ÒwildÓ party atmosphere in the Ô70s-sometimes on a par with Watkins GlenÕs infamous ÒBogÓ.

The golden era of the ’50s and ’60s culminated in the unforgettable 1970 Sebring 12-Hour race where the Ferrari 512S of Mario And­retti, Ignazio Giunti and Nino Vac­arella just pipped Peter Revson and Steve McQueen in their Porsche 908. The following year saw the Vic Elford-Gerard Larrousse 917 in the winners circle, then in 1972 the formula changed from five to three liters and Mario was back, this time with Jacky Ickx in a Ferrari 312P.

 Al Holbert Photo: Hal Crocker

In 1973, the race was no longer a part of the Manufacturers Champion­ship Ser­ies, but instead

Already a Member? Sign in to your account here.

Related
© Stuttcars.com 2021. This site was designed and produced solely by Stuttcars.com. Stuttcars.com is not associated with Porsche AG in any manner, except for a mutual appreciation and love of the cars. All pictures and references to the Porsche name, and the car names and shapes are for reference only, and do not imply any association with Porsche AG.