HSR Classic 12 Hour Returns to Sebring with Historic Racing and Rare P-40 Warhawk

HSR Classic 12 Hour Returns to Sebring with Historic Racing and Rare P-40 Warhawk

By Michael Harrison

November 28, 2024 at 12:14 AM

The historic Mission Foods HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons & Props returns to Sebring International Raceway for its ninth edition from December 4-8, combining vintage racing with military aviation heritage.

Race team group photo

Race team group photo

A highlight of this year's event is the Curtiss P-40N-1 Warhawk, owned by Tim and Job "Jib" Savage. This rare World War II fighter-bomber, built in 1943, has a remarkable history including service in the Pacific Theater and a 57-year stay in New Guinea following a crash landing.

"P-40 Warhawk flying over landscape"

"P-40 Warhawk flying over landscape"

The Warhawk now bears the colors of USAAF ace pilot John D. Landers, who achieved 14.5 aerial victories during WWII. The Savage family previously won the HSR Classic Sebring Best-Plane Award with their 1945 Grumman TBM-3R Avenger.

On the racing side, Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss in 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.

Race car speeding at Sebring track

Race car speeding at Sebring track

The event schedule includes:

  • Wednesday: Unofficial testing
  • Thursday: Official competition begins
  • Saturday: Main race starts at 1 p.m. ET, running into the night
  • Sunday: Final segments begin at 12 p.m. ET
  • Friday: Aircraft arrival and display (5:15 p.m. ET parade)

Run Group winners will receive custom-made Wall Clocks from B.R.M. Chronographes. The vintage aircraft will be displayed in the paddock from Friday evening through Sunday morning, creating a unique fusion of motorsport and aviation history at the legendary Sebring facility.

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