SEBRING, FL — Sebring International Raceway announced the release of a commemorative logo marking the 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, scheduled for March 20, 2027.
The logo features two parallel blue racing stripes on a white background behind the Sebring Raceway, IMSA, and Mobil 1 logos, along with a large “75.” The stripes pay homage to iconic American race cars from the early 1950s, popularized by driver and owner Briggs Cunningham, whose cars with blue and white stripes won the event from 1953 to 1955.
The race originated in 1952, inspired by Russian-born engineer Alec Ulmann after attending the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950. He organized the first 12-hour endurance event on March 15, 1952, at the former Hendricks Field WWII Army Air Corps base in Florida, using its wide concrete runways and roadways. The inaugural race drew 32 cars, mostly from the eastern U.S., and proved a success.
Ferrari became the first non-American team to win in 1956, sweeping the top two spots. By 1959, Sebring hosted the first Formula One Grand Prix in the United States on December 12, won by Bruce McLaren.
Sebring is recognized as the Birthplace of American Endurance Racing and one of the three unofficial triple crown endurance races, alongside the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Past winners include legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, Mario Andretti, Jacky Ickx, Hurley Haywood, A.J. Foyt, and record holder Tom Kristensen.
To celebrate, “The Class of 75” list honors 75 outstanding drivers in the race’s history, selected by journalists, officials, experts, historians, and former competitors. Announcements will occur throughout the year, and attending members will serve as grand marshals at the 2027 race.
Events include displaying historic winning cars from each decade, starting with the restored No. 9 Frazer Nash LMR, the 1952 winner, on loan from the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.
Official 2027 event posters are available for purchase at this year’s race at the Sebring PX and IMSA merchandise store on the Midway, with buyers receiving access to buy the 2027 version.
The race has run annually on the third weekend of March since 1952, except in 1974 due to the global energy crisis.
SOURCE: Sebring International Raceway
