Racing greatness often emerges from unlikely beginnings. In 2005, Champion Racing achieved a historic victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, marking Audi R8's sixth consecutive win at the prestigious event.

The story begins with Dave Maraj, a Trinidadian diamond trader who built Champion Racing from humble origins—operating out of a horsebox in the early 1990s—to becoming a motorsport powerhouse. Under Maraj's methodical leadership and high expectations, the team grew steadily from their Pompano Beach, FL base.

The 2005 Sebring race featured an intense internal rivalry between Champion's two Audi R8s. The No.1 car, driven by Tom Kristensen, JJ Lehto, and Marco Werner, faced off against the No.2 car piloted by Frank Biela, Allan McNish, and Emanuele Pirro.

Despite early setbacks, including a dramatic pre-race starter motor change and Kristensen battling cramps, the race came down to a strategic masterpiece. The winning move involved a short-fuel strategy that allowed Kristensen to build a crucial lead over McNish in the final stints.

The race concluded with one of the closest finishes in Sebring history—just 6.365 seconds separated the cars after 361 laps. Even more remarkably, Champion Racing went on to win Le Mans that same year, becoming the first American team to do so since 1967.

This triumph was particularly special as the team overcame significant regulatory handicaps at Le Mans, including a smaller restrictor and 50kg extra weight. Through aggressive strategy and precise driving, they prevailed against faster Pescarolo cars.

The victory marked a defining moment for Champion Racing and fulfilled Maraj's long-held dream. Though Maraj tragically passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on through these historic achievements and the team's rise from modest beginnings to international racing excellence.

The 2005 season stands as a testament to what can be achieved through methodical planning, unwavering dedication, and the right combination of talent and leadership.

Related Articles

Previous Articles