Sebring in Photos

Since 1999, the team previously known simply as Corvette Racing has won 127 races around the globe, including 14 total at Sebring. Twelve of those came in the famed 12-hour contest. But now, the two-car GTD PRO operation features the moniker Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports.

Although the team is no longer technically a factory program, anyone around its No. 3 and No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R machines will tell you not much has changed.

At this year’s Sebring race, the No. 3 car driven by Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims and Daniel Juncadella settled for a 10th-place result in the GTD PRO class after running into trouble while contending for the win with just minutes remaining. The No. 4 of Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Earl Bamber came home 11th in class.

Yet despite their uncharacteristic struggles, both cars drew plenty of attention throughout the weekend thanks to their one-of-a-kind gold liveries honoring the team's long relationship with the Mobil 1 brand as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Corvette drivers representing Team Chevy are among the most popular at every race, both in North America and overseas. Nowhere is that more apparent than during the IMSA autograph session on race weekends. Fans line up in the paddock well before each session to have items signed, interact with the drivers and simply show their support. Sure enough, the line was massive at Sebring.

Perhaps the popularity is due to the roar of the American V-8 engine, maybe it’s the easygoing and relatable drivers, or maybe it’s because of the cars’ incredible on-track success for more than two decades. In all likelihood, it’s a combination of all of the above. But whatever the reason, the fans show their allegiance time and again.

AWA (Andrew Wojteczko Autosport) is among the first customer teams to race the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R. The Ontario-based operation is in its first year of IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD competition after having participated in a handful of IMSA classes, including LMP3 most recently.  AWA fields the No. 13 and No. 17 cars and falls under the Corvette Racing umbrella.

At Sebring, the No. 13 of Orey Fidani, Matthew Bell, Lars Kern and Alex Lynn finished ninth in a 22-car GTD field, while the No. 17 driven by Thomas Merrill, Charlie Eastwood, Anthony Mantella and Nico Varrone suffered an early exit.

The team has already shown speed and the outfit is poised to find success in America’s Sports Car.

The Corvette Corral is located just outside of famed Turn 17 at Sebring International Raceway. This year, dozens of Corvette models ranging from the C1 all the way up to the mid-engine C8 filled the parking area. Inside the accompanying tent, owners watched the race on big screens and were treated to Corvette dignitary appearances and Q&As. Fans also had the opportunity to watch the race from grandstands specifically erected for Corvette Corral participants.

The area demonstrates the deep bond in the Corvette community and the longstanding relationship between Chevrolet and Sebring.

On the third weekend in March, Sebring, Florida, becomes the center of the sports car racing world. But the 12-hour race is about much more than just the competition.

The infield this year, as always, represented a kaleidoscope of culture. Spring breakers partied (some even had their own DJ), amateur photographers lined the fences, and the scent of cooking burgers and dogs wafted through the air. Elaborate themed structures of two stories or more sat alongside simple tents. Sebring International Raceway is welcoming to all.