Historic Sebring 12 Hour Returns with Rare WWII Warhawk Display and Record Chase
The Mission Foods HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons & Props returns to Sebring International Raceway for its ninth edition from December 4-8, combining historic auto racing with vintage military aviation displays.
Race team group photo
This year's highlight is a rare Curtiss P-40N-1 Warhawk, owned by Tim and Job "Jib" Savage. Built in 1943, this historic warbird has an incredible story - from serving in the Pacific during WWII to being recovered after 57 years and fully restored to flying condition. The aircraft now sports the colors of WWII flying ace John D. Landers, who achieved 14.5 aerial victories.
"P-40 Warhawk flying over landscape"
On the racing side, Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss, driving the Matador Motorsports No. 02 Cadillac DPi, are pursuing a historic achievement. Having won at Daytona and Watkins Glen this year, they could become the first team to win all three HSR Classic races in a single season if they succeed at Sebring.
Race car speeding at Sebring track
Event Schedule:
- December 4: Unofficial testing
- December 5: Official competition begins
- December 7: Main race starts at 1 p.m. ET, running into night
- December 8: Final segment at 12 p.m. ET
The vintage aircraft will arrive throughout December 7, with a special parade at 5:15 p.m. ET where planes taxi alongside historic race cars. Aircraft will remain on display through Sunday morning.
Winners in each Run Group will receive custom-made Wall Clocks from B.R.M. Chronographes, featuring unique dial designs matching their distinctive timepieces.
The event celebrates both Sebring's racing heritage and its military aviation history as the former Hendricks Field, a World War II military training facility that has hosted sports car racing for over 70 years.
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