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Highlands Today

SIR: The Place To Be

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John White

Published: December 2, 2007

SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY — For true motor fans, the track is the place to be this weekend.

It really doesn't matter what discipline you follow; they're all here.

You like NASCAR stockers? They're here. Open wheel? Gotcha covered. Sport? Absolutely. Just one thing; they're all old. As in vintage.

Historic race cars driven like they build them every day, not like the irreplaceable treasures that they are. Driven like the men who built them intended.

This is Christmas come early for me. My dad used to tell me stories about the 12 Hours of Sebring back in the '50s and '60s and I would have all these pictures in my head. Today, these pictures came alive. Shelby GT350s, Corvettes, Porsche, Lotus — they're all here.

This is a great place for dads to bring their kids and tell the stories while looking at the cars that made them. Take them around the track in the family car following the same tracks that A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, and Mario Andretti made. On hallowed concrete where Stirling Moss, Jaun Fangio I and II, Bob Wollek, and Bobby Rahal raced.

It sure beats some crowded mall or amusement park.

One of the things I enjoy is the people you meet that have restored, out of love, these magnificent machines. I talked with a few of them today.

I had the opportunity to meet Gary Jones and Jerry Lofton. They are a part of Gary Jones Motorsport and field a stable of GT 350 Shelby Mustangs. The cars are prepared by GJM for individual owners, many who show up at various tracks, suit up, and drive. Jerry Lofton is one that does this. His focus is the Rolex Endurance Series. Driving the beautiful #115 Mustang he and Jones have won Rolex championships in 2004 and '05.

Lofton has 10 Dash Series class championships to his credit. The team attends all Historic Sportscar Racing events, as well as some Sportscar Vintage Racing Association races. They are down-home Georgia boys and a pleasure to talk to.

Don't let this weekend slip away.

Come out to a truly world famous race track in your own backyard and relive history, and bring the family. You'll be glad you did.

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