On its 20th anniversary, the 2005 Champion Racing victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring stands as one of motorsport's most remarkable underdog stories.

Led by Trinidadian diamond trader Dave Maraj, Champion Racing evolved from humble beginnings in a horsebox to become a formidable force in endurance racing. The team's journey culminated in their historic 2005 Sebring win, marking Audi R8's sixth consecutive victory at the event.

The race featured an intense battle between Champion's two cars, with Tom Kristensen, JJ Lehto, and Marco Werner in the No.1 car facing off against Frank Biela, Allan McNish, and Emanuele Pirro in the No.2. Despite early setbacks, including a starter motor issue and Kristensen's leg cramps, the No.1 team executed a brilliant strategy.

The winning move came through a short-fuel strategy that put Kristensen ahead of McNish in the closing stages. Despite running on cold tires, Kristensen built enough of a gap to accommodate a longer final fuel stop, securing victory by just 6.365 seconds after 361 laps.

The team's success continued at Le Mans that year, where they became the first American team since 1967 to win the prestigious 24-hour race. Despite significant performance penalties applied to their Audi R8, Champion Racing's determination and strategic excellence prevailed against faster competitors.

Sadly, Dave Maraj passed away in a sailing accident in 2018, but his legacy lives on through Champion Racing's achievements. The team's story exemplifies how dedication, methodical planning, and unwavering vision can triumph against established motorsport giants.

IMSA

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