12 Hours of Sebring Preview: Taking the Test
It is 3.74 miles in length, it has 17 turns and it might be the toughest test of driver and machine in global racing. Its notorious World War II era concrete runways have been challenging the very best racing drivers on the planet for the last 73 years. Yet Sebring International Raceway is not a redoubtable stop on IMSA’s calendar. In fact the circuit is much loved by teams and drivers who embrace the unique and intensive task of not only surviving but thriving for 12 punishing hours of grueling sportscar racing.
Sebring is the ultimate test of the drivers and crew while being a delight for photographers.
Gradient Racing arrives in Central Florida high on confidence and with considerable momentum. Having finished the 2022 season with a GTD victory at the 1000 mile Petit Le Mans event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the team traveled to Daytona for January’s 2023 Rolex 24 with a new full-season driver lineup and the absence of some familiar faces as two of the winning drivers for Petit Le Mans had departed the squad. The JG Wentworth backed Acura team from Austin, Texas took the relative upheaval in its stride and came home with a fourth place finish which could well have been a podium if it were not for a late-race refueling incident which cost the team the chance to run its optimum fuel strategy in the last two hours of IMSA’s blue riband event. Having been multiple laps down during the race, post race pragmatism suggested that vital IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship points were gained as opposed to a place on the podium being lost.
A fourth place finish at the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona was a satisfying way to start the season.
The biggest take-away from almost two weeks of intensive testing, qualifying and racing at Daytona International Speedway was that the team has already gelled and there is a cohesiveness there that will provide a strong platform for the remainder of the season. In addition, the speed and consistency of rookie Sheena Monk has given the team an additional boost of confidence that the #66 JG Wentworth Honda Performance Development Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 can make a serious run at the 2023 GTD title.
Two Days of IMSA testing at Sebring provided invalauable data and team confidence
Unlike previous seasons, the team has also had the added luxury of testing at Sebring. The official IMSA two-day test provided invaluable data and more crucial seat time for Monk which will allow the team to hit the concrete running this Thursday Morning at 10:10am. With the likelihood of rain falling at various times throughout race day, the 12 Hours will become a test for each driver behind the wheel, the team strategist on the timing stand and the whole crew on pit lane. Just how it has been for nearly three quarters of a century.
Rookie Sheena Monk has impressed the whole Gradient Racing team with her application and pace.
Sheena Monk, Driver #66 JG Wentworth HPD Acura NSX GT3 Evo22:
There aren’t many places that I’d rather be than Sebring. For years while racing in other series, I’ve dreamt of participating in this historic race and it’s finally here in our JG Wentworth Acura NSX. The 12 Hour is arguably one of the most difficult endurance events in the world on both driver and machine but we made strong progress during February testing to set us up for another great result. Katherine and I are continuing to strengthen our already solid bond, which will be important throughout the duration of the season and Marc has proven to be the ace we need during these longer rounds.
With rain in the race day forceast , Team Manager, Andris Laivins will have his work cut out.
Andris Laivins, Team Manager #66 JG Wentworth HPD Acura NSX GT3 Evo22:
Our whole team is super hungry right now. This group of drivers has only done one race together, but we came out swinging at Daytona and have great team chemistry. The test in February was super productive; I'm confident the crew and car are at a great starting point this week. Weather is going to be a hot topic - aside from a rainy outlook for race day, I think the track will be its usual inconsistent self with the temperature swings. Everyone is going to be guessing which setup the car needs Saturday night; we'll see who gets it right.
Katherine Legge relishes the challenge of Sebring and can’t wait to get started.
Katherine Legge, Driver #66 JG Wentworth HPD Acura NSX GT3 Evo22:
I’m very much looking forward to building on what has been a great start to the season. I love racing at Sebring, and I think we have a great package to fight up front. The team worked tirelessly at the test last month, and I feel like we have a solid starting setup for the weekend in our JG Wentworth HPD Acura NSX Evo22.
Marc Miller can stare into the middle-distance to Olympic standard!
Marc Miller, Driver #66 JG Wentworth HPD Acura NSX GT3 Evo22:
We were fortunate to have been able to spend a couple days with our JG Wentworth NSX GT3 Evo22 at the official IMSA Sebring test last month. Sebring being the bumpiest and toughest track on the schedule for the car and the drivers, it was good to get some valuable time there and work through several set-up changes. Sheena, Kat and myself all got a lot of time in the car and while we still have a lot to do when we arrive this week, I feel good about our pace and chances of being there at the finish.
Coverage of this weekend’s 71st Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring is available via Peacock and USA Network in the USA and on IMSA.TV for International viewers without a TV broadcaster. IMSA Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio will also have non-stop live coverage of the race. For full event coverage please follow Gradient Racing on Twitter at @GradientRacing, on Instagram at @gradientracing and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GradientRacing/.