Sebring, Florida, is set to host the 74th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring this Saturday, March 21st, marking the second round of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Following a thrilling season opener at Daytona, where the Penske Porsche team secured victory, teams now prepare for another grueling endurance test at the historic Sebring International Raceway. The event, a cornerstone of American sports car racing, promises a full weekend of competition, with practice, qualifying, and multiple support races leading up to the main event. For fans planning to follow the action, here’s a comprehensive guide to the weekend schedule and viewing options.
The 12 Hours of Sebring isn’t just a race; it’s a test of strategy, reliability, and driver endurance. The 3.56-mile circuit, a combination of the airport runways and infield road course, presents a unique challenge for teams and drivers alike. This year’s race features 55 cars spread across four classes – GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro, and GTD – ensuring a dynamic and competitive field. The event also holds significance as one of five rounds comprising the IMSA Endurance Cup, adding extra weight to the championship standings.
Weekend Schedule: On-Track Action
The on-track action kicks off on Thursday, March 19th, with a series of practice sessions. The first practice, running from 10:05 am to 11:35 am EST, will involve all drivers and classes. A dedicated “Bronze driver only” practice session follows from 4:00 pm to 4:15 pm EST, before another all-driver practice from 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm EST. The day concludes with a final practice session from 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm EST, giving teams ample opportunity to fine-tune their setups.
Friday, March 20th, is dedicated to qualifying. GTD qualifying is scheduled for 11:25 am to 11:40 am EST, followed by GTD Pro qualifying from 11:45 am to 12:00 pm EST. LMP2 qualifying will take place from 12:05 pm to 12:20 pm EST, and the GTP class will round out the qualifying sessions from 12:25 pm to 12:40 pm EST. Beyond the main event, a full supporting card of races will keep fans entertained throughout the weekend. The Mustang Challenge Race #1 is set for 1:05 pm to 1:50 pm EST on Thursday, alongside the Porsche Carrera Cup Race #1 (3:00 pm – 3:40 pm EST) and the Lamborghini Trofeo Race #1 (6:10 pm – 7:00 pm EST). Friday features the Mustang Challenge Race #2 (10:20 am – 11:05 am EST), the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST), Lamborghini Trofeo Race #2 (4:35 pm – 5:25 pm EST), and Porsche Carrera Cup Race #2 (4:45 pm – 6:25 pm EST).
Race Day and Viewing Options
The green flag for the 74th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring will wave at 10:10 am EST on Saturday, March 21st, with the race scheduled to conclude at 10:10 pm EST. For American race fans, Peacock will provide live streaming coverage of the entire 12-hour race. Select portions of the race will also be broadcast on NBCSN. International viewers can tune in live on the IMSA YouTube channel and IMSA.tv. For those who prefer audio-only coverage, IMSA Radio will provide complete, uninterrupted race commentary.
IndyCar Crossover and Driver Lineups
Adding to the excitement, several IndyCar Series drivers will be competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring. Scott Dixon will be behind the wheel of the #60 Meyer Shank Acura (GTP), while Alex Palou will co-drive the #93 Meyer Shank Acura (GTP). Kyle Kirkwood is also set to compete, driving the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus in the GTD Pro class. Fans can find a complete spotter’s guide, detailing all entries, liveries, and driver lineups, here. The official IMSA entry list includes 11 GTP entries, 12 LMP2 entries, 13 GTD Pro entries, and 19 GTD entries, totaling 55 cars.
The Porsche Penske Motorsport team enters the Sebring race as the defending champions, having secured a 1-2 finish in last year’s event. However, recent changes to the Balance of Performance (BoP) may present a challenge, as reported by Motorsport.com. With clear skies and temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) predicted for race day, conditions are expected to be favorable for a speedy and competitive event.
As the teams prepare for the grueling 12 hours of racing, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle at Sebring International Raceway. The event promises a captivating blend of speed, strategy, and endurance, solidifying its place as a must-watch on the IMSA calendar. The next key date for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be the announcement of official qualifying results on Friday, setting the grid for Saturday’s main event.
What are your predictions for the 12 Hours of Sebring? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow racing enthusiasts!
