girls in aviation day

Girls In Aviation Day a Huge Success!

More than 30 girls signed up for the Girls In Aviation Day at Sebring Regional Airport. “It was a perfect number for the volunteers to manage across six ‘stations’ of lessons and experiences.” enthused Janice Rearick, event organizer and 99s member. Girls came from two Girl Scout troops and a group of girls came from the Avon Park Boys & Girls Club, too.
The Xennial virtual reality (VR) experience was new and made a hit with the kids, almost as much as the Red Bird aircraft, which always has a queue waiting for access. Phil Lockwood brought his AirCam and introduced girls to the parts of an airplane. Additionally, EAA Chapter 1240 was in attendance sharing information, inviting participants join the Young Eagles and also their next pancake breakfast.
Sebring was fortunate to have a Highlands News reporter in attendance during the event and the story can be viewed here.

 

Said Janice, “Huge applause to the Airport FBO staff: Jamie, Rachel, Ruben and Brandon – all services were top notch. The team had set up the tables for us the night before, which made Saturday morning go super smoothly.  Andrew and Luis positioned the crash truck in just the right place to make a safe corridor for attendees to walk to the airplanes. Plus, thank you, Bev, for the cookies and sodas!”
The Girls in Aviation Day is a valuable outreach for the airport and the community. Sebring Regional Airport is giving girls a chance to explore the world of aviation, and making it part of what they can aspire to in their own future.

 

Sun 'N Fun

Secure Your Front-Row Seat at Sun ’n Fun 2024

Get ready for workshops, career resources, and awe-inspiring performances from top U.S. airshow talents.

Sun ‘N Fun is April 9-14 and the organizers of the annual Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, have announced a bursting airshow lineup and tasty selection of workshops and resources for pilots at this year’s event.

Daily airshows will run from 1-5 p.m. EDT daily, promising thrills from names like Patty Wagstaff, Rob Holland, and Michael Goulian. A night airshow and pyrobatic fireworks will light up the sky on Wednesday and Saturday, starting at 7 p.m.

The Commemorative Air Force will offer vintage aircraft rides, including in the famed B-29 Fifi, and a variety of other warbirds. Rides can be booked on the Sun ’n Fun website. Performance highlights throughout the week will include the U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team, Air Force Thunderbirds, Patriot Parachute Demo Team, and Warbirds Arrival Show on April 9, with more warbird events scattered throughout the week. The event website provides a schedule of events.

Other offerings on the ground include workshops, aviation career fair, and kids corner for aspiring future pilots. There are also discounts available for aviators flying into the event. Preferred seating is available on the website as well.

Read the full story
flight simulator

Sebring Flight Academy to host “flights” in the Red Bird simulator

Sebring Flight Academy announced they will host “flights” in the Red Bird simulator during Girls in Aviation Day February 24 at Sebring Airport from 9-noon. Additionally, Duc Helices is bringing a demo propeller to teach girls how a propeller makes airplanes fly. Lockwood Aviation is also bringing an aircraft for the static display, and Sebring Airport Authority is planning to display its vintage crash/fire truck, too!
Enthused Janice Rearick, 99s member and event planner, “Cathy Gallati is creating a “pop-up shop” of adorable aviation-themed fashion and gift items for purchase. And, our great friends at EAA Chapter 1240 are helping with paper airplane folding and flying contests. We are super excited about this upcoming event!”.
Click below to sign up today!
Sign Up Today!
hall-of-fame

Sebring announces 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

SEBRING — The Sebring Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 inductees. Sam and Miles Collier, Ron Fellows, John Fitzpatrick, The North American Auto Racing Team of Luigi Chinetti and Dr. Paul Wallace will join the prestigious list of prior inductees.

Brothers Sam and Miles Collier were pioneers of sports car road racing in the U.S. who played a key role in the origins of the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the 1930s they helped create the first road racing organization and later were involved with many of the early post-war races and were proponents of Alec Ulmann’s efforts to stage a race at Sebring. Sam Collier was killed at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, and the first race at Sebring on Dec. 31, 1950, was named the Sam Collier Memorial Grand Prix of Endurance in his honor. The Collier legacy continues today under the direction of Miles Collier, Jr. In addition to the Miles Collier Collections of automobiles, he established the Revs Institute in Naples, Florida, among the world’s most comprehensive automotive libraries and archives.

Excerpted from Highland News Sun: Read the complete story  here

race

Limited Fan Hospitality Options Remain: Eight Races in March

Tickets and parking passes, including fan hospitality, can be purchased online at SebringRaceway.com. If you require assistance on the phone and are unable to reach a member of their guest services team, please leave a message with a contact phone number and your call will be returned in the order it was received.  

Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring On-Track Schedule 

(Tentative and Subject to Change)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

  •  Lamborghini Super Trofeo practice and qualifying
  • Mazda MX-5 Cup practice and qualifying
  • Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America practice and qualifying
  • Michelin Pilot Challenge practice for the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120

Thursday, March 14, 2024

  • Lamborghini Super Trofeo 50-minute race
  • Mazda MX-5 Cup 45-minute race
  • Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America 45-minute race
  • Michelin Pilot Challenge Practice and Qualifying for the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120
  • IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Friday, March 15, 2024

  • Lamborghini Super Trofeo 50-minute race
  • Mazda MX-5 Cup 45-minute race
  • Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America 45-minute race
  • Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 two-hour race
  • IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice and qualifying for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Saturday, March 16, 2024

·       Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Girls in Aviation group

Feb. 24— A Day for Girls in Aviation at Sebring Airport

Florida Heartland 99s in partnership with Sebring Airport Authority, and Women in Aviation International present a Day for Girls in Aviation

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 9:00 to Noon
Location: The airport galleries at Sebring Regional Airport

  • Learn about careers in aviation
  • Meet inspiring aviation professionals
  • Tour the airport and so much more

We can’t wait to see all of you!

Sign Up Today!

Civil Air Patrol to form a new flight from Sebring Airport Authority to host National Flight Academy

If you or a youngster of yours are interested in becoming a pilot or serving with them, the Civil Air Patrol has an opportunity for you.

Capt. David H. Bynum, Group 5 director of Operations for the Naples Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, said the branch of service wants to start up the Highlands County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and is inviting anyone interested in joining to a special meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Sebring Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is looking for adults ages 19 and older, with no age limit, and young adults ages 12-18 interested in becoming members.

This can include non-pilot, pilot, drone, communications or many other opportunities, Bynum said, with a chance to learn leadership skills, character development, aerospace technology and discipline.

“All training is provided, and no military experience is required. Whatever skill or interest you have, there is a place for you in the Civil Air Patrol,” Bynum said.

An all-volunteer auxiliary and Total Force partner of the U. S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and drones for search, rescue, disaster relief, training, and education, according to its website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

Capt. Ronald Rowe, of the SRQ Composite Squadron out of Sarasota, said the cadet program allows youth ages 12-21 to get experience and work toward earning a private pilot’s license.

At the same time as the formation meeting, Sebring Regional Airport will also host the Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, featuring cadets ages 12-18 from around the United States who have won placement in the program.

Between Dec. 27, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024, they will receive ground and flight instruction in preparation to fly solo, with the entire event led by Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Vazquez, former national commander of the Civil Air Patrol.

Rowe said the event, with 10 cadets, will get them certified with flight instrumentation, trained by former military pilots.

The airport, Runway Cafe and Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel are also supporting the event, Bynum said.

“We like Sebring,” Rowe said of the squadron, both for its location and its charm. “I’m a fifth-generation Floridian, and Sebring is just like Florida used to be.”

mobil 1 race car

Sebring International Racewway News

A total of 60 cars have been entered for the twice-around-the-clock battle on the 3.56-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway. The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) field includes 10 hybrid-electrified prototypes from four different manufacturers, with an expanded, 12-car grid expected in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class. The GTP field is expected to grow beyond 10 when the series visits Sebring on March 16, with the introduction of Lamborghini’s new car to the lineup.

GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) sees a record-tying 13-car field – from 10 different manufacturers – planning to compete. And the GT Daytona (GTD) class continues as the largest in the WeatherTech Championship with 25 cars on the list representing 11 different manufacturers.

race

Cadillac Named Official Luxury Vehicle of Sebring International Raceway

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing To Lead the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

SEBRING, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – As Cadillac kicks off a year-long celebration honoring the 20th anniversary of the V-Series performance sub-brand, it is now the Official Luxury Vehicle of Sebring International Raceway.

The official relationship between one of the world’s most iconic brands and one of motorsports most famous racing facilities coincides with Cadillac’s increased global presence in motorsports. A four-time winner of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and a three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Manufacturer Championship winner, Cadillac Racing has amassed 27 victories in IMSA competition since 2017 when it entered prototype competition. Additionally, the Cadillac V-Series performance sub-brand was launched at Sebring in March 2004 and a Cadillac CTS-V won its inaugural GT race in the Speed World Challenge.

In 2023 Cadillac will compete in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship with its new hybrid-powered Cadillac V-Series.R prototypes. Both series will race at Sebring on March 17-18 respectively. In the 12 Hours, two Cadillac V-Series.R entries – the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R – will compete against the world’s best in pursuit of the legendary brand’s fifth Sebring title in the last seven years. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R will compete in its first WEC event, the 1000 Miles of Sebring.

The Cadillac/Sebring International Raceway collaboration kicked off last year with the 2023 CT4-V Blackwing Sebring IMSA Edition. The track-capable car features a special matte black paint scheme that symbolizes racing into the darkness of the night. Spectators can view the limited-edition vehicle in the Cadillac Corral.

The No. 2 Cadillac Racing team won the 2022 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Neel Jani driving to victory. Bamber discusses his personal connection to Sebring and the significance of the CT4-V Blacking Sebring IMSA Edition on the Cadillac Pit Crew Podcast, available here: https://www.cadillac.com/sedans/ct4-v-blackwing.

In addition to its on-track activities, through its expanded relationship with Sebring, Cadillac will have a significant presence at the racetrack, most notably with its Cadillac Driving Experience during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring weekend. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 16-18, spectators will have an opportunity to drive one of five high performance and equally luxurious Cadillac models, including the CT4-V, CT5-V, CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing and the Escalade-V.

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, a high-performance sedan with a 6.2-liter hand-built supercharged V8 engine producing 668 horsepower and capable of reaching 200 mph on track, will serve as the official pace car and safety vehicle of both IMSA events during the weekend. The CT5-V Blackwing will pace the field to start the 71st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and be used throughout the 12-hour race by IMSA as the event’s official safety vehicle.

Additional at-track branding and benefits for Cadillac owners at Sebring include trackside signage, parking corrals for Cadillac owners, hospitality and other outreach opportunities with Sebring’s large and enthusiastic audience. Also, spectators will have the opportunity to see the exciting Cadillac V-Series vehicle lineup in the Cadillac display on the midway.

“High performance driving is part of Cadillac’s DNA,” said Rory Harvey, Cadillac Global Vice President. “Cadillac has an impressive history with Sebring and many of Sebring’s most passionate fans are Cadillac drivers. Sebring’s demanding racetrack is famous for testing high-performance vehicles to their maximum on track and its fan base is equally famous for the passion and knowledge they bring to the event. That’s why Cadillac is proud to expand its relationship with Sebring and the 12 Hours as we launch a year-long celebration of the V-Series performance sub-brand.”

About the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing pace car:

  • 668 horsepower
  • 659 lb.-ft. of torque
  • High-output 6.2L hand-built supercharged engine
  • 6-speed manual transmission (10-speed automatic available)
  • 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
  • Racetrack speeds greater than 200 mph
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Engineered to thrive under the most demanding track driving conditions while at the same time delivering an engaging and comfortable daily drive
  • Active Rev Matching (ARM) that automatically adjusts engine speed to match the anticipated gear selection for smooth, seamless upshifts and downshifts
  • No Lift Shift (NLS) allows the driver to shift gears without letting off the gas pedal
  • LuK Twin-Disc Clutch for both extreme high torque capacity and great pedal feel
  • 3.73 rear axle ratio
  • Electronic limited-slip rear differential
  • Rear differential cooler
  • Magnetic Ride Control
  • High-performance suspension
  • Performance Traction Management
  • Custom Launch Control
  • Brembo® high-performance front and rear brakes

About Cadillac Racing

  • Cadillac total wins in all classes/series since 2004 – 66
  • Cadillac DPi-V.R wins 2017-2022 – 27 (most of any manufacturer)
  • Cadillac total podiums in all classes/series since 2004 – 211
  • IMSA DPi – 85 (The IMSA DPi class was replaced in 2023 by V-Series.R
  • World Challenge – 126
  • Cadillac Manufacturer Championships in all series – 8
  • IMSA DPi – 3 (2021, 2018, 2017)
  • Pirelli World Challenge GT – 3 (2014, 2013, 2012)
  • SPEED World Challenge GT – 2 (2007, 2005)
  • IMSA DPi Driver Championships – 2021, 2018, 2017
  • IMSA DPi Team Championships – 2021, 2018, 2017
  • IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Champion – 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
  • IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver Championships – 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
  • IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Team Championships – 2018, 2017
  • Pirelli World Challenge GT Driver Championships – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
  • SPEED World Challenge GT Driver Championship – 2005
  • Cadillac Racing Twelve Hours of Sebring results 2022-2017
  • Sebring Overall wins – 4
  • 2022 (Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Neel Jani)
  • 2021 (Sebastien Bourdais, Tristan Vautier, Loic Duval)
  • 2019 (Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr, Eric Curran)
  • 2017 (Alex Lynn, Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor)

About Sebring and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Twice voted North America’s No. 1 motorsports event by USA Today (2019 and 2020), the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is on virtually every driver’s list of events to win and nearly every fan’s list to attend. Sebring is famous for its bumpy race surface and large and enthusiastic crowds. The first 12-Hour Classic was held in 1952 and has been won by some of the greatest names in motorsports including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Hurley Haywood and Juan Manuel Fangio. The race is part of the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. When not hosting the world’s best for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the raceway welcomes amateur and professional teams and drivers to its facility approximately 300 days a year, making it the busiest racing facility in the world.

cryofacial

Welcome Caviar Salon & Spa

We are super excited to announce Caviar Salon & Spa is coming to Sebring Airport and will be located in the terminal building. Call for an appointment: 727-340-4469 or 727-340-4468. The grand opening is July 2.

Caviar Salon & Spa specializes in first-class treatments. Their aim is to nurture and relax each of their guests with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. They create a safe place for healing to occur. The choice of how to move forward on your journey is a personal decision, honored without judgment.

They offer a variety of services including facials, wood therapy body sculpting, cryoskin, eyelash extensions and more. Visit their website for more details.

rail rehabilitation

Sebring’s Airport Rail Spur Rehab Completed

This project was made possible through a $7,900,000 FDOT grant

Sebring, FL, May 19, 2022 – The new rail—from the CSX mainline all the way to the Sebring Airport’s rail yard— is fully operational. This two‐mile-long spur feeds into Sebring’s industrial park with five ladder tracks, and supports airport tenants as well as other businesses in the area.

The back story
Sebring Regional Airport, formerly Hendrick’s Army Airfield, was originally constructed during WWII. To facilitate the construction and support base operations, a rail spur was constructed off of the CSX mainline.

Due to the small rail size (85 lbs/LF and 100 lbs/LF) and the age of the existing rail spur track (over 75 years), sections of the existing track were in poor condition and required extensive maintenance. Over the years, several maintenance projects had been undertaken to keep the track operational. These projects included repairs to switches and replacement of crossties, along with replacing over 600 crossties in 2015.

The finished airport rail project comprises a myriad of improvements
The rehabilitation of the entire rail spur includes replacement of ballast track superstructure components, special trackwork, drainage and subbase improvements, which allows continued use of the facilities with significantly reduced maintenance costs.

The project was bid in two phases to meet FDOT grant funding amounts, and possible additional future grant funding. Phase 1 included 11,400 linear feet of track reconstruction, which was completed in June of 2020. Phase 2 of the project was bid in July of 2020 and included a base bid and two bid alternates.

rail rehabilitation

The base bid and a portion of Bid Alternate 1, which included the reconstruction of 7,250 linear feet of rail, were awarded to American Rail Industries in December 2020. Construction was completed in May of 2021. With the additional FDOT grant funding becoming available in the Summer of 2021, a change order for the remaining portion of Bid Alternate 1 and Bid Alternate 2, which included the reconstruction of the remaining 7,350 linear feet of rail, was issued to American Rail Industries.

flexbox dragonspeed

Flex-Box and DragonSpeed Launch ‘Support Ukraine’ Challenge at Sebring

Flex-Box, the global shipping container supplier and sponsor of the DragonSpeed LMP2 race team, today announced that its major branding on DragonSpeed’s car at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance classic on 19 March will be replaced by the message ‘Support Ukraine’ to express its solidarity with the valiant efforts of the eastern European country to defeat the ongoing invasion of its territory by Russia.

The bold graphic on the tailfin of the number 81 Oreca-Gibson, winner of this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, displays the Ukrainian national colors over the car’s regular stars and stripes livery. The initiative has the full backing of team principal Elton Julian and Bronze driver Henrik Hedman, whose 10Star company also backs DragonSpeed.

Nielsen is challenging other sponsors and teams to join Flex-Box by including similar messages on their entries at Sebring and beyond, helping the racing world to play its part in condemning the war and encouraging contributions to Ukrainian relief efforts.

Nielsen said: “As race fans, we all respect the bravery, determination, resourcefulness, and teamwork racers bring to the track. Today we see these values being demonstrated to their highest degree by the Ukrainian people in their life-and-death fight to defend their independence against Putin’s unprovoked aggression. Ukrainians have the right to pursue the same freedoms and prosperity that allow us to enjoy activities such as motorsport and great events like Sebring. I encourage all our fellow sponsors and teams at Sebring to join us in delivering a message of support for Ukraine and our desire for a rapid end to the horrors of war. This is a stand everyone can take.”

Elton Julian: “When Henrik came to me with this idea earlier in the week, I was on board immediately, as was Henrik Hedman. We’re proud to have a sponsor who is willing to make a gesture like this in response to the terrible events of the last couple of weeks and ask the racing community to add its voice to the worldwide concern for the people of Ukraine.”

In addition to the 12 Hours – round two of the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Sports car Championship – Sebring will host the season opening 1000-mile race of the FIA World Endurance Championship on 18 March. NBC’s Peacock streaming service will carry flag-to-flag coverage of the 12 Hours with the USA Network also picking up the second half of the race.

Team contact    David Aronson, hyspeedllc@aol.com