HSR at Sebring: Historic racers band together

Submitted by msr on December 19, 2013

The 2013 HSR Sebring event breaks records, and the heart warming story of racers coming together in support of a friend.

December is a great time to go racing in Florida.

Sebring International raceway hosted the HSR Sebring Historic Races presented by Alan Jay on Dec 5-8th, 2013. A record 200 cars showed up to participate in sprint races, enduros, night races and a 4 hour race on Sunday.

Anchoring the event was the magnificent Porsche 935 JLP HD1. This car is a tribute to John Paul Jr – winner of the 12 Hours in 1982 and the youngest IMSA champion ever, who is currently suffering from Huntingtons Disease. Multiple time Sebring winner and racing legend Brian Redman asked a few of his friends to come and drive the car, and the response by drivers who competed with and against John Paul Jr was truly inspiring.

A partial list of those in attendance includes Rob Dyson, Roger Mandeville, Dorsey Schroeder, Jim Pace, David Hobbs, Dave White, Jochen Mass, Hurley Haywood, John Fergus and, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson. The Porsche 935 JLP HD1 is a way to bring attention to this debilitating disease.

Fast becoming an HSR tradition the Saturday drivers panel entertained all in attendance with daring tales of past races at Sebring.

Unique to HSR is the opportunity to watch many of the newer historic cars compete against each other. Here at Sebring fans witnessed Europen Le Mans Prototypes racing against prototypes from different groups and eras such the American Le Mans Series, IMSA GTP and even the Grand Am Daytona Prototypes. Joining these later cars were several Can Am cars and mighty Lola T70’s.
An HSR race weekend has something for everyone with full access to the cars and drivers and non stop on track action.

Of course the highlight for us here at Motorsport Retro was as simple as the chance to be involved in this heart-warming demonstration of comradery. We’d like to wish John Paul JR all the best, as well as his family and friends.