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SIR Announces Hall Of Fame Inductees

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: February 13, 2008

SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY –– Sebring International Raceway has announced the 2008 inductees into the Sebring Sports Car Racing Hall of Fame.
Roger Penske, Derek Bell, Hans Stuck, David Cowart and Audi join the prestigious Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Friday, March 14, the day before the 56th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.

Roger Penske has a stellar record of success in motorsports as a driver, team manager, team owner and race promoter. Best known for orchestrating more than a dozen wins at the Indianapolis 500, Penske began his career in sports car racing in 1958. At Sebring, he had three class victories, then served as manager for Jim Hall's 1965-winning Chaparral team. Penske's team won the Trans-Am class and finished third overall at the 1968 12 Hours of Sebring. He currently campaigns a pair of Porsche RS Spyders in the American Le Mans Series, winners of the 2007 LMP2 championship.

Legendary sports car racing driver Derek Bell has five Le Mans victories and two Sportscar World Championships to his credit. He is probably the most successful driver at Sebring who never won the 12 hour classic, recording six podium finishes, including second place four times in 15 career starts.

Hans Stuck is a three-time Sebring winner, driving for BMW in 1975 and then taking two wins driving a Porsche 962 in 1986 and 1988. His victory in 1986 with Bob Akin and Jo Gartner remains the fastest 12 hours ever. Stuck also has two class victories at Sebring driving for Porsche. He won back-to-back Le Mans races in 1986 and 87.

David Cowart achieved success both on and off track at Sebring. As a competitor, he won the IMSA GTO championship, and competed in the Sebring 12-hour 11 times. However, his greatest contribution at Sebring came as a race official and co-promoter with Charles Mendez from 1978-82, helping maintain the Sebring tradition during a difficult period in sports car racing.

Audi becomes only the third manufacturer to be inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame. Since the world debut of the Audi R8 in 2000, Audi has won every Sebring 12-hour classic, taking the pole position all eight years and setting the fastest race lap seven times. In 2006, Audi made automotive history by becoming the first manufacturer to win a major endurance race with a diesel-powered car. Audi has also won Le Mans seven of the past eight years.

The Four Points by Sheraton Chateau Elan hotel overlooking the famous hairpin turn of the raceway will host the Hall of Fame luncheon, which is open to the public. Two-time Sebring winner Derek Daly will serve as emcee of the event. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. For more information, call Jan Shoop at 800-626-7223, ext. 218.

Sebring International Raceway's Hall of Fame and Race Museum is a nonprofit entity formed during Sebring's 50th anniversary year of 2002 to honor drivers, officials, promoters, manufacturers and others who have played a key role in Sebring's history. Induction ceremonies are held every other year.

The Sebring Hall of Fame committee is nearing completion of the Gallery of Legend building in the paddock, which will serve as a year-round facility available to car clubs and vintage racing organizations.

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