Sebring International Raceway to showcase million$ of new improvements

The Four Points by Sheraton Chateau Elan hotel at Sebring recently underwent a $7 million expansion.

When fans enter the hallowed grounds of Sebring International Raceway this year for the 56th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida, they will notice the results of a multi-million dollar improvement campaign truly worthy of American's oldest and most prestigious sports car race.

The first new edifice fans will see is a new two-story, 10,000 square-foot administration building that houses a new gift shop, registration center, ticket office, business center, conference room, staff offices and archives. Located adjacent to the front entrance, it features the legendary Audi R8 race car in the lobby.

Upon driving across the crossover bridge and into the paddock, the next glimpse is of the new Gallery of Legends that will house the Sebring Hall of Fame. The 7,500 square-foot building will be available year-round for car clubs, vintage racers and special events. During the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida, it will house a display of vintage and historic race cars. The building is a project of the Sebring Hall of Fame, a non-profit entity created in 2002 to preserve Sebring's race heritage.

Along pit road, three new corporate suites have been constructed above the pits. Two new hospitality buildings are under construction in Turn One, offering a stunning view of the action.

Adjacent to the raceway sits the majestic Four Points by Sheraton Chateau Elan hotel. Conceived and built by American Le Mans Series founder Don Panoz in 2000, Sheraton recently undertook a $7 million expansion that included 43 new rooms and suites plus a 4,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom.

"These projects confirm Sebring's long-term commitment to the motorsports industry as well as the local community," stated Sebring President and General Manager Tres Stephenson. "Since 1999, when Dr. Panoz acquired the Sebring lease, millions of dollars have been invested in Sebring International Raceway, benefiting fans, competitors and our marketing partners."

The 56th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring begins Wednesday, March 12 with official practice. The 12-hour race begins at 10:05 a.m. ET Saturday, March 15. It will be televised live by SPEED beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 10:30 p.m. with a two-hour break from the action between 12:00 - 2:00 pm. The race will be telecast to a worldwide audience of nearly 600 million homes, including live international coverage in Europe by MotorsTV.

-Bob Dickinson-