SEBRING, Fla.—A collection of historic sports and racing cars from the past five decades visited Sebring International Raceway Dec 1–4 for the inaugural Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic 12 Hour at Sebring, Pistons and Props.
In an event modeled on the highly successful Classic 24 Hour at Daytona (also run by HSR) these cars were divided into six classes to compete in a series of races over two days, totaling twelve hours of track time, with scoring determined by cumulative laps.
Competing cars ranged from nearly modern LMP-1s to PCs GTP/Group C prototypes to late-'60s Trans-Am Camaros and Shelby Mustangs, and a 1976 Porsche 935/K1, to a 1963 MGB and a1964 Lotus 26R—horsepower ratings from maybe 150 to maybe 950, top speeds from 120 mph to 220.
Rarity and reliability determined the overall outcome as much as raw speed. How hard drivers were willing to push their expensive historic machinery—or how long they lasted when pushed hard—limited track time for some of the most exciting and unusual cars. Gems like the 1990 Nissan ZX GTP and the 1966 McLaren M1B made very brief appearances. At least they looked great in the paddock for those who missed them on track.
