Central Florida News

Mario Andretti Headlines First 15 Drivers Named to Sebring’s Historic ‘Class of 75’

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

Mario Andretti prepares for the 1970 Twelve Hours of Sebring, where he helped deliver Ferrari an overall victory in one of the most memorable finishes in the endurance race’s history. Photo: Rainer Schlegelmilch

Sebring International Raceway begins honoring 75 of the event’s most successful drivers ahead of the historic 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027

SEBRING, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Racing legend Mario Andretti headlines the first group of drivers selected for Sebring International Raceway’s “Class of 75,” recognizing 75 of the most successful drivers in the history of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

The recognition comes ahead of the 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027.

A 10-person panel of sports car racing experts debated and voted on the 75 drivers. The selections have been divided into five groups of 15, with additional names scheduled to be announced monthly through January.

The first Twelve Hours of Sebring was held March 15, 1952. Since then, the endurance race has been canceled only once, in 1974 amid the global energy crisis.

First 15 Drivers Named to ‘Class of 75’

The inaugural group includes Bob Akin, Mario Andretti, Joao Barbosa, Geoff Brabham, Derek Daly, Phil Hill, Bruce Jennings, Sascha Maassen, John Morton, Jim Pace, Hans Stuck, Nick Tandy, Richard Thompson, Fermin Velez and Andy Wallace.

Together, the drivers represent generations of Sebring history, from the race’s formative years to the modern IMSA era.

Andretti’s Place in Sebring History

Andretti made six starts at Sebring, earning three overall victories and one additional class win.

His overall victories came in 1967, 1970 and 1972. His 1970 triumph remains one of the race’s most celebrated finishes.

Andretti started that race from the pole in Ferrari’s No. 19 entry but retired the car with gearbox problems. Ferrari later moved him into the No. 21 Ferrari 512S for the closing stages.

Andretti ultimately defeated Peter Revson by 23.8 seconds, which at the time represented the closest finish in Sebring history.

Champions Across Generations

The Class of 75 also includes Phil Hill, a three-time overall Sebring winner who competed 13 times between 1953 and 1966. Hill won overall in 1958, 1959 and 1961 and added three class victories.

Hans Stuck also earned three overall victories, beginning with BMW’s landmark 1975 win. He returned to Victory Lane with Porsche in 1986 and 1988 and added two class victories during his Sebring career.

Geoff Brabham won overall in 1989 and 1991 during Nissan’s GTP era, while Derek Daly recorded two victories in three Sebring starts.

Fermin Velez captured consecutive overall victories in 1995 and 1996 driving a Ferrari 333SP, while Andy Wallace won back-to-back overall titles in 1992 and 1993 in the Toyota Eagle Mk III.

Tandy Represents Sebring’s Modern Era

Among the modern-era selections is Nick Tandy, who has accumulated one overall victory, three class wins and five podium finishes in 12 Sebring starts.

After class victories with Porsche in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Tandy joined Porsche Penske Motorsport’s prototype program.

His long-awaited overall Sebring victory came in 2025, when he teamed with Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor in a Porsche 963. The trio defeated the sister Penske entry by just 2.2 seconds.

Privateers and Sebring Mainstays Recognized

The selections extend beyond overall winners.

Bruce Jennings made 18 Sebring appearances and became one of the event’s notable privateer competitors. His 1962 debut produced a class victory and third-place overall finish.

Richard Thompson, known as the “Flying Dentist,” competed in the inaugural 1952 race. Thompson reportedly drove his MG-TD from Washington to Sebring, finished eighth and then drove the car home. He ultimately made 14 Sebring starts and earned two class victories.

Sascha Maassen recorded five Sebring victories, including four consecutive class wins from 2001 through 2004 with Alex Job Racing.

The group also recognizes the achievements of Bob Akin, Joao Barbosa, John Morton and Jim Pace, each of whom earned overall Sebring victories during their careers.

Four More Groups Coming

Sebring will unveil the remaining 60 members of its Class of 75 in four installments.

The next 15 drivers will be announced Oct. 13, followed by additional groups on Nov. 10, Dec. 15 and Jan. 12.

The complete list will ultimately recognize 75 drivers representing the history of America’s oldest major endurance race.

75th Twelve Hours of Sebring Tickets

Tickets, hospitality packages, car corral parking and reserved RV locations are currently in a renewal period through Sept. 16.

General admission tickets and parking passes are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 1. Highlands County resident tickets will also become available Oct. 1 with proof of residency and must be purchased in person at the raceway ticket office.

Fans can find ticket information and join waiting lists for hospitality, car corrals and trackside RV parking through Sebring International Raceway.

The 75th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is scheduled for March 20, 2027.

Up Next

Wake Forest All-American Macy Pate Earns Sponsor Invitation to 2026 ANNIKA LPGA Event

Don't Miss

Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows

Central Florida News

Temple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13

Published

2 days ago

October 4, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Cameron Seldon races toward the sideline as Temple defenders force him out of bounds. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Bulls move to 4-1 as Hartline turns attention toward corrections and the week ahead

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida’s unbeaten start ended Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium as Temple defeated the Bulls 17-13. USF struck first behind a Nico Gramatica field goal but went into halftime trailing 10-3 before finding momentum after the break.

USF responded in the third quarter as D.J. Crowther’s one-yard touchdown tied the game at 10.

USF and Temple battle at the line of scrimmage. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

The Bulls’ defense added a key stop when No. 1 C.J. Hicks recovered a Temple fumble in the end zone. Gramatica later connected from 49 yards to give USF a 13-10 fourth-quarter lead. Temple answered with the defining possession of the night, driving 96 yards before quarterback No. 13 Ajani Sheppard scored on a 34-yard run to put the Owls ahead for good.

Temple’s 96-yard fourth-quarter drive became the turning point in the 17-13 finish.

Joshua Porter sprints for catch with Adrian Laing closing in for Temple. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

USF was unable to answer late, dropping to 4-1. Following the game, head coach Brian Hartline focused on returning to the film, correcting the mistakes that surfaced and making sure the Bulls use the loss to improve heading into the next week.

FINAL: Temple 17, USF 13

Up Next: USF travels to San Antonio to face UTSA on Thursday night.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Orange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center

Published

4 days ago

October 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

Artists and artist teams invited to submit qualifications for artwork at the renovated center in Orlando’s historically Black Tangelo Park community

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Public Art Review Board is seeking artists or artist teams to develop artwork for the newly renovated Tangelo Park Community Center, according to a public art call announcing a $28,200 commission budget.

The request for qualifications invites participation from one or more artists or artist teams. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2026, according to the announcement.

Art Opportunity in a Historically Black Community

The announcement describes Tangelo Park as a historically Black community with a proud heritage. The artwork will be developed for a community center designed to bring residents of different generations together through social services, recreation and community activities.

The center sits within a midcentury modern neighborhood next to Tangelo Park Elementary School and an adjoining outdoor recreation center.

Renovated Center Expands Community Space

According to the announcement, the renovated community center features a multipurpose meeting space, classrooms, a computer lab and offices. The site also includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor pool and solar gazebos available for community use.

The center’s primary purpose is to support county social service programs and recreational activities. Its spaces are also intended to accommodate family programs, community gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals and other events.

The announcement describes the facility as a welcoming extension of home, where individuals and families can gather safely and comfortably.

Application Details

The public art call lists the following information:

Project: Tangelo Park Community Center public artwork.
Location: Orlando, Florida.
Seeking: One or more artists or artist teams.
Commission budget: $28,200.
Application platform: CaFÉ.
Deadline: Nov. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Artists interested in the commission should consult the complete CaFÉ listing for submission requirements and additional project details.

Business

Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

Published

5 days ago

October 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.