Sebring National

The 2008 version of the Sebring Winter Nationals was held Jan. 6, 2008 on
the Sebring Long Course (used by the Sebring 12 Hour event), with
temperatures in the low 70's with light puffy clouds drifting across the
sky. 

The F500's were in a race group that included, DSR, FF and FV. As you would
expect DSR's filled the first 6 places on the grid. The some intermixed DSR
& FF's down to the F500 Pole Sitter Bob Berman in 15th with a 2:19.732
compared to the Pole Sitting DSR with a 2:01.551. The rest of the F500 field
was Jim Elder in 16th, Jack Walbran in 25th, Chuck McAbee in 26th and Chris
Hite in 28th. 

The race was flagged off as the last race before the lunch brake and, as
opposed to several years ago, the start was uneventful with the entire field
making it past the starters stand and through Turn 1 (which is still as
rough as ever). On Lap 2 Jim Elder reported he spun at the Safety Pin and
had to wait for a number of cars to pass before rejoining the race, by which
time he had lost all contact with Bob Berman. Meanwhile further back in the
field the other 3 F500's were having a real race....with multiple passes for
position on a number of laps. By the time the Checker flew the finish order
was Bob Berman, Jim Elder, Chris Hite, Jack Walbran and yours truly bring up
the 5th position after a momentary loss of concentration caused by an
overtaking FF caused me to miss a braking point and go agricultural on the
penultimate lap giving, Chris and Jack separation that I could not regain. 

All in all .... a successful start to the F500 season, as no cars broke and
all will be able to compete at the Homestead Double National next weekend.

 
Chuck McAbee