What Is 2019 12 Hours of Sebring

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 12 Hours of Sebring was a 12-hour endurance sports car race held on March 16, 2019, at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. It served as the second round of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and featured 41 cars across five classes.

Key Facts

The 2019 12 Hours of Sebring took place on March 16, 2019, at Sebring International Raceway.
41 cars competed across five classes: DPi, LMP2, GTLM, GTD, and LMP3.
The winning team was the #5 Mustang Sampling Racing Oreca 07 in the LMP2 class.
The race lasted approximately 12 hours, starting at 10:40 AM local time.
Pipo Derani recorded the fastest lap with a time of 1:50.174 during qualifying.

Overview

The 2019 12 Hours of Sebring was a major endurance sports car race and a pivotal event in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Held at the historic Sebring International Raceway in central Florida, the race drew teams and manufacturers from around the world, showcasing high-performance prototypes and GT machines.

As the second round of the 2019 IMSA season, it followed the Rolex 24 at Daytona and helped shape early championship standings. Known for its bumpy surface and grueling conditions, Sebring tested both driver stamina and mechanical reliability over the full 12-hour duration.

Event Date: The race occurred on March 16, 2019, beginning at 10:40 AM Eastern Time and concluding around 10:40 PM.
Track Length: Sebring International Raceway spans 3.741 miles (6.021 km) and features 17 turns, including the famous Turn 17 known for its rough pavement.
Entry Count: A total of 41 cars were entered, split among five classes: DPi, LMP2, GTLM, GTD, and LMP3.
Winner: The #5 Mustang Sampling Racing Oreca 07 took victory in the LMP2 class, driven by João Barbosa, Filipe Albuquerque, and Pipo Derani.
Fastest Lap: Pipo Derani recorded the fastest lap of the race at 1:50.174, demonstrating the high pace maintained under pressure.

Qualifying and Race Format

The 2019 Sebring 12 Hours featured a structured qualifying session and multi-class racing format designed to balance speed and safety across varying car types. Each class had its own qualifying group, with grid positions determined by fastest lap times.

Qualifying Groups: The DPi and LMP2 classes qualified together, while GTLM and GTD each had separate sessions, ensuring fair competition within performance bands.
Starting Procedure: The race used a standing start, a rare format in endurance racing, increasing early-lap excitement and contact risk.
Driver Stints: Regulations required a minimum of four drivers per car in DPi and LMP2, with mandatory minimum drive times to prevent driver fatigue.
Refueling Rules: Teams were allowed unlimited refueling stops, but fuel capacity was limited to 80 liters for LMP2 and 75 liters for DPi.
Class Overtaking: Slower classes were required to yield to faster ones under yellow or green flags, enforced by race control via radio and flags.
Pit Lane Speed: The pit lane speed limit was set at 45 mph (72 km/h), with violations incurring drive-through penalties or time penalties.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the five competing classes in the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring by key technical and competitive metrics:

Class	Car Examples	Engine Type	Top Speed	Team Count
DPi	Cadillac DPi-V.R, Acura ARX-05	V6 Turbo (Acura), V8 (Cadillac)	198 mph	8
LMP2	Oreca 07, Ligier JS P217	V8 (Gibson), naturally aspirated	192 mph	7
LMP3	Ligier JS P320, Duqueine D08	V8 (Nissan), 5.0L	170 mph	5
GTLM	Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, Porsche 911 RSR	V8 (Corvette), Flat-6 (Porsche)	175 mph	6
GTD	Lamborghini Huracán GT3, Acura NSX GT3	V10 (Lamborghini), V6 Turbo (Acura)	172 mph	15

This breakdown highlights the diversity of technology and strategy across classes. While DPi cars were the fastest, GTD’s larger team count emphasized its role as the most popular customer racing category. The LMP3 class, though slower, served as a development platform for young drivers.

Why It Matters

The 2019 12 Hours of Sebring had significant implications for motorsport, influencing team strategies, manufacturer reputations, and driver careers. Its outcome shaped the IMSA championship and served as a proving ground for emerging talent and new technologies.

Endurance Benchmark: The race is considered one of the three legs of the Triple Crown of endurance racing, alongside Le Mans and Daytona.
Manufacturer Testing: Automakers like Chevrolet, Porsche, and Acura used the race to validate new aerodynamic packages and engine reliability.
Driver Development: Young drivers in LMP3 and GTD gained experience racing against seasoned professionals in more powerful classes.
Global Exposure: The event was broadcast in over 150 countries, boosting sponsor visibility and fan engagement.
Technical Innovation: Teams tested advanced fuel strategies and tire compounds, influencing future IMSA regulations.
Historical Legacy: Sebring has hosted endurance races since 1950, making it one of the oldest continuously run events in American motorsport.

With its mix of speed, strategy, and mechanical endurance, the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring reinforced its status as a cornerstone of sports car racing and a critical test of team performance under pressure.