IMSA WeatherTech Championship: Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Prepares for Action
Sebring, FL – The teams of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship commenced their preparations for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on Wednesday, coinciding with practice sessions for several IMSA-sanctioned support series in cool conditions at Sebring International Raceway.
New Car Launches and Livery Reveals
Pfaff Motorsports unveiled their new #9 Lamborghini Temerario GT3, replete with the team’s signature plaid livery. “It looks incredible in person,” commented a team representative during the launch.
Porsche Penske Motorsport also showcased a special livery on their #7 Porsche 963, commemorating 30 years of collaboration with Mobil 1 and celebrating the iconic Porsche 911 GT1. This year, they aim to defend their Twelve Hours of Sebring title successfully.
Meanwhile, JDC-Miller Motorsports presented their updated #5 Porsche 963 featuring Mustang Sampling sponsorship, while their #79 ORECA 07-Gibson LMP2 car marked its return with a new driver lineup, including debutant Sennan Fielding alongside seasoned pilots Gerry Kraut and Josh Burdon.
Corvette Racing’s Z06 GT3.Rs shifted aesthetics from Millennium Yellow to a striking red, white, and blue design, celebrating national pride with 50 stars emblazoned on the front.
Facility Enhancements: New Ullmann Bridge
Sebring International Raceway inaugurated a new pedestrian bridge, enhancing access across the Ullmann Straight. “This bridge significantly improves fan accessibility and opens fresh viewing perspectives,” stated Matt Muha, new President and General Manager of the circuit.
Michelin Pilot Challenge Results
The Michelin Pilot Challenge’s Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 saw Matheus Leist set a pace of 2:09.622 in the #7 VPX Motorsport Porsche 718 GT4 RS Clubsport, leading a Porsche-dominated strategy in the GS class. In the TCR category, Franco Girolami completed the session in the lead with a time of 2:12.205 in the #99 Victor Gonzalez Racing Cupra León.
Support Series Insights
The Porsche Carrera Cup and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America commenced their seasons in tandem, with notable performances from TR3 Racing and Topp Racing in their respective classes.
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo: Will Bamber and Elias de la Torre topped practice sessions, with Bamber clocking in at 2:00.599.
- Porsche Carrera Cup North America: Tyler Maxson led with a swift time of 2:00.775 in the new #77 Porsche 911 Cup.
All three series will run their inaugural races on Thursday, available for streaming on the official IMSA YouTube channel.
As preparations continue, teams are eager to perform at the historic Sebring circuit, underscoring the significance of this annual endurance race in the motorsports calendar.
