My first time at Sebring came on March 21, 1969. I drove south from Jax and slept there that Friday night in a red pop tent. I came to root for the # 3 Corvette, built by my mentor, Frank Dominianni, a pioneer racer. It was specially ordered through Vince Piggins at GM.
If I had my wish, it would be Sebring with the “Real McCoy” in 1956. Alas, I was a thousand miles away and just a teenager at the time.
Fast forward, the 2005 C6.R Corvette was a pretty big deal. I owe a debt of gratitude to Robin Pratt, Gary Pratt and crew for their patience. I did my best to listen carefully before opening my big yap, but take my word, it was not easy.
From my point of view, there is nothing quite like the spectacle at Sebring in March. Folks from all walks of life descend upon a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere. The best sports cars and the best drivers come from everywhere. The place turns into a carnival, midway and all. A ritual for fans, friends, families, college kids on break and other crazies. Fueled by beer, booze, swimsuit contests and if you happen to stumble into the right spot, a bit of nudity.
Those years were filled with wonder for another reason. For a couple of days in advance, drivers from the Sports Vintage Race Car Association (SVRA) could take to the track as things heated up.
My friends Ken Mennella hauled his beloved # 000 Grand Sport Replica from Armonk NY and Jeff Bernatovich hauled his fearsome # 90 SCCA tube frame C4 GT1 all the way from snowy Syracuse NY.
If you put on a fire-suit, you could roam the pits during practice and qualifying. The roar was ear shattering to say the least.
Like all good things, those magic times are gone. The price tag for our shenanigans had shot through the roof. It was a raw deal.
Then, lo and behold, along comes Tony Parella, a Corvette guy with the bucks and the guts to grow vintage racing like never before.
Soon after taking over the SVRA, Tony created a new stand-alone event in February. He brought in the Trans Am series to ease the entry fees and add to the gate.
Tony asked my help to celebrate the Corvette’s 60th birthday in 2013.
We now had track time for racing, an HPDE, parade laps plus a car show. How about these oldies from the Solid Axle Corvette Club.
Our mutual friend Alan Sevadjian showcased the Grand Sport Corvette continuation cars that he built under license with GM.
This is me with HOF driver Jerry Thompson, strapped into a re-creation of the Corvette he raced in 1970, a/k/a “Junkyard Dog”.
Photo/image 15 (button for Phil Currin)
Here’s the lowdown from Fast Phil Currin, Corvette racing legend.
Since 2022, I can’t say for sure when I next set foot at Sebring. I can say for sure there are more races, shows, events and stuff to do than ever before.
It would be great to hear what others have to say.
Photos courtesy of Sports Car Digest, Larry VanScoy, Richard Prince, Vanessa Aponte, Walt & Tyler Thurn.