Speed is what most folks think about when they hear the name Sebring. It’s the City on the Circle and home to the famous Sebring International Raceway. To me, the name conjures up memories like the smell of burning rubber skidding across pavement, that deep rumbling you can feel in your chest as cars whiz by, and the energy radiating off cheering fans—all bathed under the warm Florida sun.
And while Sebring is known for its motorsports, there’s a different kind of speed you can find here that challenges your mind, body and soul. It’s the kind of speed that has you pedaling fast and running hard. The rumbling in your chest? That’s your heart working overtime as you run alongside Lake Jackson or bike through the area’s citrus groves.
If you love the thrill of the race, you’re going to love what Sebring has to offer:
Do you have what it takes to tackle a triathlon? Sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the Heartland Triathlon will challenge participants of all ages with several events over the weekend to choose from—including a youth race for ages 6–15. The best part of the Heartland Triathlon is that it gives you a taste of what the area has to offer, like riding past beautiful Lake Jackson or running through historic Downtown Sebring and famous Circle Park. Be sure to take note of things to check out after the race! Sebring’s outdoor recreational opportunities abound, and this event will give you the chance to experience them through swimming, cycling and running.
One of the best ways to sample a bit of the Sebring area is the Tour of Sebring, an event that’s been going on for almost 40 years. For this event, cyclists can participate in one, two or three days of cycling the flat, rural roads and gentle, rolling hills of central Florida—experiencing very little traffic along the way. And you won’t be the only one along for the ride as hundreds of cyclists from all over come to this Labor Day event. If you’re up to the challenge, check out the Bok Tower Century—a 100-mile trek to Bok Tower Gardens and back!
Ready to live that dream of being a race car driver but don’t have the funds for a fancy stock car or have a big name sponsor behind you? Welcome to the Sebring 14, part of the ChampCar Endurance Series. The ChampCar series has been dubbed “the simplest path to real road racing” and for good reason. The only requirements are a driver’s license, ChampCar club membership and safety equipment, and you’re off to the races. It’s the dream of so many race fans to drive this track, so don’t miss your chance.
This postseason event comes at a time that brings cooler weather to the area, but things are always hot on the track. While a newer race to Sebring International Raceway, this non-championship car race has quickly become a favorite because of the track time the drivers receive, including practice, qualifying and an endurance race. The Michelin IMSA SportsCar Encore is also a proving ground for newer racers, so you never know what future talent you might see out there. Great weather and great racing make the event a must-do for race fans.
Chin Track Days is all about driving your sports cars on the best track out there—and Sebring International Raceway certainly qualifies as that. Happening multiple times each year, this track event for driving enthusiasts is for those looking to take their “toy” out for some high-performance driving—for Sebring, that means a 3.7-mile, 17-turn circuit. Chin Track also provides advanced driver training, focusing on safety and skill driving, so you’ll be doing laps on the course in no time. There’s no finishing flag for this one—this is all about fun.
Sometimes the challenge is about challenging yourself. GFNY Florida Sebring, part of the GFNY World Cycling Marathon series, is an event that lets you feel like a professional cyclist. How? Everyone is individually chipped for timing, roads are closed and monitored by police so you don’t have to stop, there’s a mass start at the beginning, and everyone wears the trademark vivid green cycling jersey—just like the pros. You can choose between a long and medium route. Race to win or race for yourself—you get to decide how you want to measure victory with this race.
Sometimes you have to get off the pavement and blaze your own trails. A unique event that is as much an adventure as it is a race, the Expedition Florida Adventure Race will have you choosing from multiple day courses that cut through a majority of the Sebring area. You’ll have to run, hike, boat and bike your way through this challenging experience. Do you have what it takes to navigate this adventure?
Hosted by Highlands Pedalers, Highlands Bike Fest is a newer event to the Sebring community that offers a chance for fun and fellowship with avid cyclists. You can spend the weekend riding the scenic roads of the area and marked routes from 10 to 60 miles with a 100-mile century cycle. On Saturday afternoon, you can enjoy activities planned by the Pedalers. Sebring has amazing cycling and it brings people from all over, so you’re sure to make a new bicycling buddy during the event.
Have you ever wanted to race on the famous track at Sebring International Raceway? How would you like to do it on two wheels with your own pedal power? Do you think you could last 12 hours? How about 24? If I haven’t lost you yet, you’re ready for Bike Sebring 12/24, a unique race that mixes racetrack and road cycling. Both the 12- and 24-hour races begin on the famous speedway, then transition out to the area’s rolling roads. For the 24-hour event, racers will come back to the illuminated racetrack course and continue to ride it throughout the night! Sebring is known for its endurance racing, but this event like no other takes it to the next level.
Get ready to hop in your time machine. If you love vintage muscle cars, you’ll want to make a pitstop for the Sebring Vintage Classic. From the stands, you’ll see a cavalcade of chrome and color as the classics of yesteryear shoot through the speedway. After race day, get ready for one of the best car shows you’ll ever see. Take lots of pictures, because you’ll be walking through automotive history. This event is some of the most fun you’ll have at the track. There’s just nothing like classic speed.
This is the big one. The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is a legendary race that has been taking place since 1952. Many notable names, from Mario Andretti to Paul Newman, have raced this track. The event is a 12-hour endurance race that is a favorite of both racers and fans alike and is where Sebring gets its speed. There’s nothing quite like it. If you enjoy racing or just love cars, this event is a must. Did you know? The event was also recently voted North America’s No. 1 Motorsports Event in a USA Today fan poll.
The best part about all of these events is the beautiful weather you can find year-round in Sebring. Sunshine and speed make the best combination.
Once the checkered flag comes down and the final racer has passed the finish line, it’s time for a cool down with the slower-paced lifestyle and small-town charm that embodies the spirit of Sebring. Parks, dining, mural walks and museums are all waiting for you to explore—so be sure to spend your “victory lap” touring the towns of Sebring, Lake Placid and Avon Park.