International Sports Car Racing Day celebrated on the third Saturday of March every year is the day to celebrate and enjoy this extremely famous, international sport called sports car racing. This year it falls on March 15. Did you know that this day coincides with the 12 Hours of Sebring sports car endurance race? Yes, International Sports Car Racing Day is celebrated on the same day as the endurance race held in Sebring, Florida, at the International Raceway. The 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona, and 24 Hours of Le Mans were widely considered the trifecta of sports car racing. So, let us learn about the history, significance, and some interesting facts about this awesome day.
History of International Sports Car Racing Day
To give a little history about sports car racing, it is one of the main types of circuit auto racing that utilizes sports cars that have two seats and enclosed wheels. The 12 Hours of Sebring is an annual motorsport endurance race for sports cars that is popular globally.
It is held at Sebring International Raceway, on the site of the former Hendricks Army Airfield airbase in Sebring, Florida. During the initial years, the event was the second round of the World Sportscar Championship (now discontinued), I.I.M.S.A. G.T. Championship, and American Le Mans Series. Today, this event is the second round of the WeatherTeach SportsCar Championship.
The Sebring track was initially opened in 1950 on an airfield. It is technically a road racing course that took inspiration from the track used in European Grand Prix motor racing. The first race that was held on this track was a six-hour race on New Year’s Eve in 1950. Later, after 14 months, the first 12 Hours Endurance Race was held in Sebring. The race starts during the day and finishes at night. Teams, sports car owners, and fans from across the globe would come to witness this exciting annual event, held on the 17-turn, 3.7-mile road course. To commemorate this extraordinary race, International Sports Car Racing Day was established in 2013. Let us celebrate this event!
International Sports Car Racing Day timeline
The Sebring race track is opened in Florida.
The first Sebring Sports Car Endurance Race is held in Sebring.
The facilities and safety of the circuit are heavily criticized.
The race is rescheduled due to the pandemic.
International Sports Car Racing Day FAQs
What races are held at racing?
Sebring is most notable for hosting 12 hours of Sebring as well as the World Sportscar Championship, Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, A.L.M.S., and WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Why is Sebring only 12 hours?
Initially, the Sebring was a 24-hour race. But later in 1974, the race was changed to a 12-hour race.
How many people attend the 12 hours Sebring?
According to raceway officials, the 12-hour Sebring race usually brings 400,000 visitors to Highland County.
International Sports Car Racing Day Activities
Visit the race
The best way to celebrate International Sports Car Racing Day is by visiting the iconic Sebring track in Florida. Check out when the next race is and witness it in action.
Make it a party
Put on your favorite sports car t-shirt or sweatshirt and invite your friends and family over to watch the sports with you on television. Make it a rememberable party!
Share the gift
Sports car racing is one of the most exciting and impressive sports in the world. You might be a big fan, but your kids, friends, or colleagues might not know much about it. So, introduce them to the exciting world of sports car racing.
5 Facts About Sports Car Racing That Will Pump Your Adrenaline
The rear wings are mostly show-off
For sports cars moving at normal speed, rear wings prove to be of no use.
Sports cars are fuel-efficient
Modern-day sports cars take fuel efficiency seriously and are mostly fuel-efficient.
They will not explode
Unlike what most people think, sports cars are less likely to explode due to solid engineering.
Sports cars are not as loud
Sports cars are not as loud and noisy as people think they are; they just produce a smooth hum.
Touring cars were the inspiration
The design of touring cars and roadsters was used as a basis for modern sports car designs.
Why We Love International Sports Car Racing Day
We all love to cheer
Whether it is our friend who is participating in a race or our favorite sportsman who is behind the wheels, we all love to cheer! If you are a fan of this exciting sport, you can go to the racetrack and cheer for the team.
It is a fun event
Sports car racing is a fun event, especially if it lasts 12 hours! Planning a trip with your friends and family and visiting the race is a fun event that you will remember for a lifetime.
It teaches us about life
One wonderful thing we can take home from International Sports Car Racing Day is the ability to endure. The 12-hour race teaches us the power and benefit of endurance in life.
International Sports Car Racing Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 19 | Saturday |
| 2023 | March 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 16 | Saturday |
| 2025 | March 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
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