Sebring 2019
I learned that like Las Vegas, what happens in Sebring, stays in Sebring.
I had just wrapped up at the Amelia Concours, and I decided to drive across the state to visit my parents in Sarasota. It was a bit of a spontaneous decision, so I wasn’t sure if I would be able to secure media credentials for the Sebring event at such short notice. Sebring is notoriously difficult to get credentials for, yet somehow, I spotted a guy with just a cell phone (and no camera) wearing a vest and taking photos trackside. As a dedicated professional in this field, it can be frustrating to witness such instances. Nonetheless, I met up with a couple of friends, Russel and Denise, whom I had befriended at the Rolex 24 in Daytona a few months prior.
Russel and Denise, along with some friends, were traveling in an RV, and they graciously invited me to use their RV as a base to relax and edit my fantastic photos. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sleep there, so I resorted to my usual method and spent the night sleeping in my car.
This being my first time at Sebring, I was eager to explore and find the best vantage points to view the track. I struck up conversations with some fellow attendees, and they were incredibly helpful in directing me to some unique spots. Alongside the track, trailers were lined up, and I politely asked the owners if I could photograph near their RVs. To my delight, everyone was accommodating and gave me the green light.
Then, I had the bright idea to ask if I could climb on top of their trailers to shoot. It turned out to be a fantastic perspective! However, the weather had other plans, and sudden torrential downpours sent me scrambling to find shelter. I came across an RV with a tent on top, which allowed me to continue capturing the craziness of the event while staying dry.
Sebring had a surprise in store for me when it came to the nightlife. As I attempted to get some sleep, I quickly realized what Russell meant about this place getting wild after dark. Sebring, it seems, is the mecca of racetrack partying. Sleep was definitely not on the agenda as booming sound systems and lively crowds kept the night alive with music and revelry.
The next morning, I made my way to Turn 9 to witness the real party. Words can hardly describe it, so I'll let the photos do the talking. It was a sight unlike any other. Grown adults reliving their college days, with entire themes adorning their RV setups. As they say, what happens at Sebring most definitely stays at Sebring!
I had the privilege of watching the end of the race from the Weathertech hospitality tent, thanks to Russell, Denise, and their friend Mike. The tent was situated on the back straight just before the finish line. As we watched the cars speed down the backstretch, fireworks began to illuminate the sky. It was a fantastic way to conclude my adventure at Sebring International Raceway!
