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Jan. 4, 2010 11:11 a.m. Flatspot New Reader

I am looking into a trip in March to the 12 hours of Sebring. When I visited their website, they had a huge array of ticket options, including what I assume is seating at the Fangio Terrace ( pit entrance) and the Gurney Terrace (pit exit). There is also a bunch of parking options, including trackside. I have never been to the track, so I have no idea where the best places are to watch the action.

I am planning on flying in and doing a rental car. The last race I attended was ALMS at Laguna Seca in October. You could buy an all access pass for that event that let you go pretty much anywhere along the track and in the pits.

Can anyone recommentd the best way to get the most out of my two days there - and I mean from a viewing perspective? No need to offer advice on strip clubs or other extra curriculars, although some hotel and restaurant rcommendations would be appreciated.
Jan. 4, 2010 11:47 a.m. DukeOfUndersteer Dork

In my opinion, i would start off at turn 1 for the start, make sure you get there a half hour before the crowds start (all you will see is the butts infront of you), then make your way down to turn 7, awesome spot to watch some dive bombs, little bleacher there to sit and watch, then i would make my way around "The Infield" a whole different lifestyle in there, then down to turn 17, or "Sunset Bend" awesome turn to watch some passes. Dont know much about Sebring as a city, got there 6 hours before the green flag after 10 hours of non-stop driving from Atlanta...
Jan. 4, 2010 12:01 p.m. Soma007 New Reader

I went to the 12hr back in 07 and I've been to the track at least a half dozen times since then for autocrosses.

No idea what ticket packages are good (mine was free at the time). As far as viewing areas go keep in mind the track is completely flat with no elevation changes. If you want to be able to see anything you need to get up off the ground a bit. Looking at the map there are viewing mounds at turn 7 (Safety Pin) and 5 (Carusel thing) where I remember having a decent view. Bring comfortable shoes because you'll be walking ALOT to/from your car and to any good viewing spots. All the good parking or camping spots will be taken days before the actual race.

As far as entertainment depends on what you're looking for. Overall the event is best described as a week long spring break/St Patricks day drinking fest that just happens to have a race going on around it. If you like drinking alot while setting things on fire then you're in luck. Most of that activity seemed to be concentrated in the area called "Green Park" which is between turns 5 and 11.

The only hotel actually at the track is the Chateu Elan but I'm quite sure it'll be full of drivers and crew. All the other hotels are in the town of Sebring itself which is a good 15-20min away. I can recommend the "Inn on the Lakes" which isright off hwy 27. Its not fancy (nothing in Sebring is) but it was reasonably priced and you get a hot breakfast included.

For food us autocrossers usually stop by Don Jose's every trip for Mexican food. Be prepared for long waits at the popular places because I think the town's population just about doubles during the race week.

Have fun! Jason
Jan. 4, 2010 12:04 p.m. DukeOfUndersteer Dork

In reply to Soma007:

I went in 07 too, left with the 2 Chevrolet models modeling their booth, went to Orlando with them for the night...
Jan. 4, 2010 1:08 p.m. carguy123 SuperDork

I can't make any specific hotel recommendations, but I went thru Sebring this last summer and found out the area had really grown. Instead of being out in the boonies if you head north on the main drag there are lots of new eateries and hotel for simply miles.

It won't be a 5 minute drive to the track, but those would be full anyway. Now it will be a 15-20 minute drive instead of the hour or more drive you used to have to make once the Sebring hotels were full.

I'm considering going as well so I'd really interested in seeing which ticket packages were the best deals. I sure wish GRM was doing a tent and meeting place like they do at the Rolex.

GRM ought to do Rolex one year and Sebring the next to give a little variety.
Jan. 4, 2010 2:47 p.m. Karl La Follette HalfDork

If you are a member of the Moose fraternity their club is right around the block , camp $10 and cheap drinks if a rainout //// winter pboc practice next week Jan 13th--14th
Jan. 4, 2010 7:14 p.m. DirtyBird222 Dork

Oooh a Sebring Virgin! This year will be my 18th Sebring 12 Hour and I'm only 24 haha.

As far as viewing goes if you buy a general two day admission ticket you can pretty much walk around anywhere within the facilities and watch the race from wherever you possibly can. Certain areas are blocked off for like the Turn 1 Club, the Corvette and Porsche/Audi Corrals at Turn 17, and so on. There are awesome viewing mounds all around the track as well (Turn 3 on either side of the track is great for the start of the race), the hairpin has them on both sides as well. If you walk into the greenpark there is a nice walkway along the track that goes from the hairpin to about turn 12, lets you get just as close as the media.

Parking....well it depends on where you want to park and how much you want to pay. General Admission parking is the cheapest route but you can only park your car behind the Midway. You can camp near the family zone and not have to worry about drunkards. Locals hotels are also another option for sleeping.

If you are flying into Orlando, take I-4 West to US 27. Take US 27 south towards Miami, once you arrive in Sebring make a Left on CR98 I believe and follow the signs to the track.
Jan. 4, 2010 7:15 p.m. DirtyBird222 Dork

Oh and we camp out at Turn 12 a bunch of my family, a bunch of friends, if you'd like to stop by for a beer or a snack feel free too.
March 9, 2011 10:09 a.m. Karl La Follette Dork

Todays Public Service Announcement: Just in case you missed it the first time, we will be broadcasting the race in its entirety on WHRT Channel 17. All you need is your TV and a "rabbit ear" antenna!
March 9, 2011 10:10 a.m. Karl La Follette Dork

i am bringing the Skool Bus does anyone want to pitch into the infield or it will be parked over by the Moose Club around the block
March 9, 2011 10:42 a.m. DukeOfUndersteer SuperDork

after filling up the gas tank this morning, I think I am gonna have to back out from going. The gas alone to get there and back will leave me broke...