The 58th Annual 12 Hours of Sebring ...

[thebs]

<p>After some of the comments I received on my prior set of one hundred (100) photographs on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/sets/72157623590552320/">Grand Prix of Miami (2010-Mar-06)</a>, I figured I'd also post some of my favorites from my collection of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/collections/72157623648799284/">the 58th Annual 12 Hours of Sebring</a>.<br>

With my K20D, I shot entirely with the DA* 200 f/2, DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and DA 10-17 Fisheye lenses. I never pulled out my DA 55-300 f/4-5.8 or anything else. I did, however, misplace my two (2) 77mm circular polarizers, which I wish I had at various points (as it was sunny all weekend). The 720p videos were done with a Panasonic DMC-FX37 which is a 25-125mm equivalent, very compact Point'n Shoot.<br>

I'll make a post for each day. I'm currently sorting Saturday's shots, but Thursday and Friday are up.</p>

[thebs]

<p>(deleted)</p>

[thebs]

<p><strong>Thursday, 2010 March 18 ...</strong><br>

<br /> Thursday was some practice for all classes, all races and only a few events, including a Mazda small cart race.<br /> <strong>My Cyber Gray Metallic '09 C6 Z51 Coupe: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3688 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4444140889_a6e3ce76e1_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3688" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> If you look at the body, those aren't defects in the paint or some sensor issues. That is the metallic in the paint, which is a beautiful blue in the sunlight. Although guys usually go for the Atomic Orange, Jetstream Blue or Victory Red, I haven't met a woman yet that didn't find this their favorite color (and it doesn't cost extra either!). The '09+ Cyber Gray Metallic color was originally featured as an one-time color for the '03 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette, but brought back. It's also available on the new '10 Camaro as well.<br /> I was shooting right into the sun, so I clearly got some purple fringing with the DA* 16-50 f/2.8 (and wish I had my 77mm circular polarizers). The Red Corvette behind mine is my parents Red '99 C5 Convertible (and yes, those are my parents).<br /> <strong>Genuine Corvette Accessories (GCA) are sported on this 2010 Grand Sport Convertible 3LT model: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3713 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4444149989_c27d7c6558_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3713" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> The 2010 Grand Sport replaces the Z51 package (and adds another $6,000), with the same, lowest-end 6.2L, 436hp LS3 engine, but most of the Z06 accessories. This Grand Sport has some finishing touches to the engine compartment (which is already quite beautiful on any Corvette C6), fender stripes and other details.<br /> <strong>A Porsche GT3 class car flies under the bridge between the short stretch after Turn 6 heading into the Turn 7 hairpin: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3766 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4444165707_3858839495_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3766" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> Sebring is the superbowl of the American LeMans Series (ALMS), kicking off the season, kinda like Daytona 500 for NASCAR. Unlike NASCAR, LeMans is about handling, not speed. Sebring is 3.7 miles with 17 turns -- yes, 17. LeMans Prototypes (LMP) don't average much more than 100mph, and most Grand Touring / Grand Turismo (GT) only average around 100mph.<br /> <strong>Another Porsche GT3 class car kicks up dirt'n grass as it puts itself back on the track after Turn 7: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3788 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4444962838_2efabae297_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3788" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> If you take Turn 7 at more than 50mph, expect to spin out. But most LMP and GT cars know better, and don't directly spin out. However, many times they do accelerate too quickly after Turn 7, and spin out. That's what this car did.<br /> <strong>A Vitesse Sponsored '10 Corvette Grand Sport Offers Ride Along Laps For Corvette Corral Raffle Winners: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3813 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4444947166_6a42951a36_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3813" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> One of the gentlemen in our Florida Corvette Club (FCC) won not merely a ride-along between the various races of the weekend, but THE ride-along for the pre-race on Saturday. Lucky bastard. The Corvette has traditionally been driven by a woman racing instructor, who was a former racer, but her career ended due to an accident several years ago, and she favors racing Corvettes in the semi-pro circuits now.<br /> <strong>The #3 Garcia, O'Connell, Magussen Corvette C6.R gets some practice laps in on Thursday: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3968 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4444180561_57e93c1e49_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3968" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> Jan and Johnny get some practice in with the brand new Corvette C6.R GT2, based on the production ZR1. But instead of the forced-induction ZR1 LS9 engine, and no longer allowed to use the Z06 7.0L LS7 (designed for production, raced in ALMS), not even the 6.0L crippled version allowed last year, the 2010 C6.R utilizes a crippled, 5.5L version of the lowest-end Corvette 6.2L LS3 engine. Yes, this is a reduced displacement of my Z51's 6.2L LS3 engine, same as stock and Grand Sport. It was rushed into pre-production due to ACO changes for 2010, and does not offer direct gasoline injection either, killing fuel economy 10-15%.<br /> Originally ACO allowed Corvette to run with it in 2009, but it was stricken for competition purposes. The production LS7/LS3 engines are already the most efficient sports car engines in the world (31-35mpg at 55mph), but direct gasoline injection causes Corvette to make even fewer pits, and Corvette agreed to remove it when Ferrari and Porsche filed complaints mid-2009 (after Corvette took the first 3 races handily). ACO asserted the right of all teams to use it for 2010, but because of the down economy, no other teams are using, so Corvette decided not to see a repeat of 2009.<br /> <strong>BMW Joins ALMS GT2 and Practices on Thursday Before Taking the Pole Position during Friday runs: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP3990 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4444954696_2f3fd03259_b.jpg" alt="IMGP3990" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> BMW joined the ranks of manufacturers in ALMS GT2. American LeMans is clear more about production than European LeMans (related USAToday article: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2010-03-15-american-lemans_N.htm">American LeMans a boon for race cars helping road cars</a>), and with Jaguar re-joining, along with BMW participating, this is only more of the case. Corvette slipped down to GT2, crippling itself (although Aston-Martin, who was always a part-time GT1 participant, moved away from GT1 and up to LMP instead). BWM took the pole position in the GT2 class, and only finished behind a solid Ferrari team in the Saturday race itself. This was nice to see from the common Corvette v. Porsche rivalry that usually dominates ALMS, really showing the ACO has done a nice job of "performance balancing" the new, unified GT2 class.<br /> <strong>The Corvette Racing Team in the Paddock: </strong><br /> <a title="IMGP4040 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4444186071_ebac2a0fe1_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4040" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> <br /> <a title="IMGP4371 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4469108035_5c4808542f_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4371" width="1024" height="680" /></a> <br /> Unlike for the French 24 Hours of LeMans and the European LeMans Series, the American LeMans Series (ALMS) allows access to the Paddock, teams and drivers. This is a treat for Europeans as much as us Americans, and I met several French, German, Danish and other Europeans throughout the weekend -- for many of them, this was their first ALMS, and they loved it over the access they don't have in Europe.</p>

<p> </p>

[thebs]

<p><strong>Friday, 2010 March 19 ...</strong><br>

Friday's events included some final LMP and GT practice, the GT3 Race, a very busy set of Paddock events and driver signings, as well as the unveiling of the new, limited edition Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition and some face time with Doug Fehan.<br>

<strong>Some LMP and GT Practice Shots at Turn 17 ...</strong><br>

<a title="IMGP4133 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4469089655_6f83a4e516_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4133" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4150 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4469094913_0c9fda9cd1_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4150" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4183 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4469875036_6041429d7d_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4183" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4195 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4469097413_fb25af121e_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4195" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

If you've never been at an ALMS race, you should go to one. Sebring has 17 turns along 3.7 miles, and you can get very close to the cars during their runs. It's less busy here on Friday, turn practice and alternative races. But there is still great access all around. I also have the benefit of sitting on Turn 17 in the grandstands for the Corvette Corral. Jaguar and Porsche Corrals are down on the left, along the straightaway (although they have to look through chain-link fences, whereas our views are unblocked).<br>

I love the Robertson's racing Ford GT, which is from the limited production run (under 2,500) of the Ford GT from '03-'07, based on the repeat LeMans and Sebring winning Ford GT40 of the late '60s. That car just belongs in any LeMans race, even if they don't always do well or finish. Correspondingly, their number is #40.<br>

<strong>The Porsche-only GT3 Class Race on Friday</strong><br>

<a title="IMGP4242 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4469098659_e150af20bb_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4242" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4354 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4469884362_a06f3eb2c9_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4354" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

There's nothing like watching the pace car hit the pit line after Turn 17 and all the cars running hard to the green flag. I also took a shot from the outside of the track (through the chainlink fence) of the #35 NGT Porsche GT3 with the Porsche Corral in the background.<br>

<strong> </strong><br>

<strong>A Flurry of Activity in the Corvette Paddock: </strong><br>

<a title="IMGP4367 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4469885880_95e8c91fc0_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4367" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4387 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4469109261_2d3e753a44_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4387" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4396 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4469112089_b6a701c98a_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4396" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

Johnny O'Connell chats with media and teammates, the Corvette Racing team entertains fans and the #3 Corvette C6.R GT2 of Garvin, O'Connnell and Mangussen is towed for practice, all in the Corvette Paddock. Unlike the French LeMans and most of the European LeMans Series (LMS), the American LeMans Series (ALMS) allows spectators and fans to get close with the drivers, teams and cars in the paddock. For this reason, ALMS is as much of an enjoyable experience for Europeans as much as we Americans. I met many first-time ALMS'ers from almost every part of Europe in the paddock, all giddy with excitement over the new level of access they have been granted.<br>

<strong>Corvette Corral Tent, Corvette Z06 Carbon Unveiling and Doug Fehan: </strong><br>

<a title="IMGP4462 by thebs413, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4469899752_21dcd09c09_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4462" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4544 by thebs413, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/4469943648/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4469943648_21a465fa09_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4544" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4549 by thebs413, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/4469166549/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4469166549_7f67b6bee7_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4549" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4598 by thebs413, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/4469172811/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4469172811_068c1f51dc_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4598" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

<a title="IMGP4615 by thebs413, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebs413/4469953398/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4469953398_f63a416391_b.jpg" alt="IMGP4615" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br>

If you're going to spend the 3-4 days at Sebring, the Corrals are the way-to-go. This year there are fewer, just Corvette (which sold out in advance), Porsche and Jaguar (which just re-joined ALMS this year, and wasn't busy), and they are only $80 bucks or so more (although you have to own the vehicle for the Corral, of course).<br>

Although GM announced the new Corvette Z06 Carbon weeks earlier, the first public appearance of the vehicle was in the Corvette Corral tent. This Z06 edition features all of the ZR1 features -- including the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control that has been an option on even stock Corvettes since the C6 first came out (which was, just recently, copied from GM by Ferrari for select, $150K+ models as well), and other handling and performance enhancements -- in the lighter Z06 package. All of the body -- except key safety/contact areas (e.g., bumpers) are Carbon fibers, weighing only a pound or two or three for the largest sections -- making it the lightest Corvette available with all of the performance features.<br>

Doug Fehan handled the fund raising portion, followed by a Q&A session. For videos from the event, see <a href="http://www.corvetteblogger.com">Corvette Blogger</a>. For a video where Doug took questions on the new Corvette C6.R GT2 with the pre-production 5.5L, <a href="http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index.cfm/2010/3/25/VIDEO-Doug-Fehans-Corvette-Racing-Presentation-at-the-2010-12-Hours-of-Sebring">see this video (including my question on the 5.5L at 7:58 -- although he would talk about it much longer than where the video ends)</a>.<br>

CorvetteBlogger also has some additional videos on the direct gasoline injection controversy, and the decision to push forward with ACO changes to the 5.5L limitation and not re-adding it (even though explicitly allowed by ACO for 2010), despite other teams citing funding limitations.<br>

<a href="http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index.cfm/2009/9/28/VIDEO-Corvette-Racings-Fehan-on-the-Direct-Injection-Controversy">Video from '09 Petite LeMans in late 2009 with Doug Fehan</a><br>

<a href="http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index.cfm/2010/3/20/VIDEO-Interview-with-Corvette-Racings-Doug-Fehan-at-Sebring">Another video from 2010 Sebring with Doug Fehan</a><br>

Direct gasoline injection is utilized on many production GM engines and models today, and improves fuel economy significantly. Other manufacturers have been adding it to select models, but there are still integration issues GM solved years ago. The Corvette C6.R GT1 with the production LS7 (Z06 engine) ran it for much of the past decade.</p>

[leo_papandreou1]

Is anyone else having this problem? Firerox scales your images correctly but MSIE compresses only the horizontal dimension, giving them a severely distorted appearance. You should link to the medium version of your photos on flickr, which are less than p.net's 700 px max. width.

[thebs]

<p>Leo -- why not just keep using a Gecko engine browser (Mozilla, Firefox, etc...) then and not worry about it? I can't do anything about MS IE, which varies in implementation (often conflicting with itself between v6, v7 and v8), takes issue with standard W3C, etc... I have had that discussion with countless companies over the past decade. They may have not understood what I was talking about back in 2001-2003, but they surely came back to me in 2007-2009 and said, "yeah, you were right, all of our old MS IE 5 and 6 code is now useless for MS IE 7 and 8."</p>

[kfrog]

<p>Yeah really Leo, use Firefox for goodness sakes!</p>

<p>I didn't know Microsoft Explorer even had this problem as I haven't used it much in years. (I use a Mac for personal computing and a PC at work) I'll use Firefox, Flock, Google Chrome even Safari on this PC. Anything but Explorer. The pictures come out just fine on all these browsers except Explorer.</p>

<p>Great pictures by the way Bryan. I love sports car racing. Not a big fan of NASCAR, I prefer cars that turn <em>right</em> as well as left!</p>

[MattB.Net]

<p>Yeah, cars that turn both directions are the coolest! Nice shots Bryan!</p>

[scot]

<p>Thanks for posting this stuff.<br>

The Sebring 12-hour was the first race I ever covered as a motor-journalist; I was in high school at the time, and the year was...um, '65, I think. Chapparal won, in the pouring rain. Cobra won GT.<br>

Thanks again for the images. The place looks almost the same.</p>

<p>Scot</p>

[thebs]

<p>GM was long dead set against racing production cars. Corvette chief Zora tried to change that, and was successful only in the early '60s. Corvette won the 24 hours of LeMans only for Corvette to end its interest for over 30 years.<br /> In the late '90s, that finally changed. And Corvette dominated GTS/GT1 after that, both in the US as well as Europe. Ironically there are more Corvette teams in Europe now than the US.<br /> BTW, if you want to see Mustangs (or Camaro for that matter) in action, check out Grand Am instead of Le Mans. Grand Am GS runs virtually production ponies, whereas Grand Am GT runs racing versions.</p>