Sebring International Raceway - SRO Weekend

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14

Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870

SRO America website

Sebring International Raceway website

Year Opened: 1950

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The Other Sebring Sportscar Weekend

The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours, but another event is on the schedule to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit.

Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action.

Food & Beverage   3

There are only a few food vendors around the track at Sebring, all of them located in the paddock area by victory lane. The ever-popular Track Shack by the main tower closes during the weekend and operates out of a smaller location by the podium area. There are also a few food trucks and vendors that set up over there as well, with a large open-air tent set up for you to enjoy your food and drinks in the shade with a trackside view.

The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack.

Atmosphere   3

The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours, and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history.

Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower’s second level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend; reserved then only for suite guests. The biggest downside to SRO’s date in May is that the early summer heat of Central Florida means temperatures can soar into the 90s – this makes for quite a steamy day of watching racing, with very little shade to be had for fans without suite access.

This year also saw the addition of a fully electric go kart race competition between local high schools taking place in the paddock. Held on Saturday of race weekend just outside the Turn 1 area, fans were given an up close view to students working on their karts and then racing against each other to show their engineering skills.

Neighborhood   3

There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend.

Fans   3

The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA, SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations, though nowhere to the level of 12 Hour attendees. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it.

Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event. Unfortunately, fan interest in this event has dropped over the past few years, leaving a much less busy track, as well as fewer trackside campers seen in the infield.

Access   3

The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track.

At Sebring International Raceway you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.

Return on Investment   4

Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than the IMSA event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to.

Friday tickets are just $15, with tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just $25. A 3-day ticket runs $50, with weekend parking sold for $20. Camping trackside is $200, while car corral access runs anywhere from $60 to $100. Various club access options are also available for the event.

Extras   3

Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, so fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close.

Final Thoughts

The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour weekend, and instead are looking for a family friendly race day. While the heat of early Florida may be rough for some, you get a great weekend with lots of race action if you’re willing to brave it.