Day: September 21, 2024

Officials at Historic Sports Car Racing have announced changes that will affect some of the most popular events at the Sebring International Raceway.

The HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, which has annually wrapped up the calendar in December as part of the Alan Jay Pistons & Props event, now makes a major move to March at Sebring International. It now becomes the new HSR season-opener and will run March 7 – 9.

Even better, the Classic Sebring 12 Hour will take place the weekend before next year’s 73rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 12 – 15.

Read more: Historic Sports Car Race Changes Coming to Sebring

Good News for the Kenilworth Lodge

Developer Monier Rahall made a rare public appearance at the Highlands Tea Party to discuss his efforts to revive the historic Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring. At the session, he indicated that it appears at least some members of the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency might be hopeful about the success of the project.

Rahall first gave a background on the hotel and its pivotal role in the growth of Sebring. Built in 1916, the hotel had been open for 100 consecutive years before being shut down in 2016 by the Sebring Fire Chief due to issues over the fire alarm and sprinkler system. Rahall outlined his subsequent battles with the city, indicating that he believes he now has turned the corner and has been pushing the project forward.

“We are hoping to be open in time for next year’s edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring,” he said. “But don’t hold me to that.”

Read more: Good News for the Kenilworth Lodge

A cadre of Sebring Historical Society members, community leaders and interested citizens gathered Tuesday at the Sebring Regional Airport. They were there for the dedication of a wall mural in honor of Major Thomas McGuire.

McGuire was a Sebring High School graduate, a football player and a clarinet player in the high school marching band. He also was a World War II fighter pilot ace who shot down 38 enemy pilots before being shot down himself two days after Christmas in 1945.

Sebring Historical Society President Bobby Lee, himself a US Army Brigadier General, gave an accounting of McGuire’s life – both his time in Sebring and an accounting of his phenomenal career in the US Army Air Corps. During his time, McGuire flew some 325 missions and got credit for 38 enemy kills (although there may have been more). He was the second highest scoring ace of all time.

Read more: Tommy McGuire Mural Dedicated at Sebring Airport