The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027 with a tribute to the drivers who have made the race legendary. The first group of 15 inductees into the Class of 75 has been revealed, kicking off a series of announcements that will continue until January. This elite roster honors the most successful drivers in the history of the endurance classic, which has been a staple of motorsport since its inception in 1952.
The selection process was overseen by a panel of sports car racing experts who voted on the drivers based on their achievements at Sebring International Raceway. The race has run continuously since its debut, with the exception of 1974 due to the global energy crisis. The complete roster of 75 drivers will be revealed in batches of 15, leading up to the historic 75th running of the race on March 20, 2027.
The First 15 Legends of Sebring
The first 15 drivers named to the Class of 75 represent a cross-section of multi-generational icons who have left an indelible mark on the legendary circuit. From Mario Andretti to Nick Tandy these racers have demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance in one of the most challenging endurance races in the world.
Mario Andretti: A Triple Threat
Mario Andretti is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of Sebring. With six starts at the circuit, Andretti secured three His 1970 victory in the No. 21 Ferrari 512S is particularly notable. After retiring his pole-starting No. 19 team car due to gearbox issues, Andretti was substituted late in the race for Ignazio Giunti. He staged a dramatic final charge to pass Peter Revson winning by 23.8 seconds in what was then the closest finish in race history.
Bob Akin: The Porsche Prodigy
Bob Akin a native of New York, made 10 starts at Sebring between 1978 and 1987, competing in a Porsche every time. Akin earned two During their 1986 win, Akin, Stuck, and Gartner set an
Joao Barbosa: The Consistent Performer
Joao Barbosa a Portuguese driver, made 14 appearances at Sebring starting in 2000. He claimed his first class win in 2012 during a combined event with the World Endurance Championship driving an ALMS-entered P2 car with Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut to finish fourth In 2015, Barbosa won the 5 Action Express Corvette DP with Christian Fittipaldi and Sebastien Bourdais leading 248 of 340 laps as the only car on the lead lap.
The Legacy Continues
The reveal of these first 15 legends marks just the beginning of the buildup toward the historic anniversary race. Fans will not have to wait long for the remainder of the roster, as the second group of 15 drivers will be announced on October 13 followed by the third installment on November 10. The fourth collection of 15 names is scheduled for release on December 15 with the fifth and final group of 15 drivers set to be revealed on January 12 to complete the full Class of 75 ahead of the March 2027 celebration.
As the countdown to the 75th anniversary of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring begins, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the remaining legends who have shaped the history of this iconic race.
