S U P E R S E B R I N G 2 0 1 9
117
“I went to my rst 12 Hours of Sebring in 1969 at just 8
years old. My Uncle “Ducky” who raced cars and boats
locally, drove a press shuttle and took me and my cousin
along for the ride. That was the start of what has become
an annual rite of spring for the last 50 years. Once I saw
the amazing cars I was hooked on Sports Car Racing.
The Early Years: My 1st year a Ford GT40 Won, but seeing
all those exotic cars made quite the impression. I
got to meet the likes of Mario Andretti, Jacky Ickx, and
the incomparable Dan Gurney. As a teenager I went with
a group of friends and started camping in Green Park.
That’s when I saw a different part of Sebring. The goings
on in what is referred to as “The oo” was nothing short
of legendary. The infamous mud bogs, the craziness at
F-Troop, and the ladies of Sebring was an experience for
the ages. The 80’s I started going with my Uncle Bobby
and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention him. He was Fan of
the Year material but his life was cut short by Alzheimer’s.
The “Sebring” stories are so memorable; we picked up Peter
Gregg and gave him a ride to the pits after he went off
course on the old chicane and tore the exhaust from the
underside of the car. We ran across Paul Newman after
he ran off track and broke down, we gave him a ride in the
press shuttle, a cool six door station wagon, and he hid in
the back floorboard because I guess you’re not allowed
to get outside help. A great way to spend a childhood at
the famous track so many awesome Memories.
FAN OF
THE YEAR
Dave Westphal
Winter Haven, Florida
As time went by I was given the nickname of “Mr.
Sebring” by my friends. I started a Sebring trivia contest
that was held at our camp each year. Helped kick
off SebringFans.com, and started the WFO Camp.
The cars have always been amazing, from those early
years with the Ford GT40’s, Ferrari 512’s and 312’s, to
the dominance of Porsche through the 80’s. The GTP
years, The WSC Cars, the great years of the LMP1’s
showcasing the most technologically advanced
sports cars in the world, to the great racing we have today.
The cars has always been the stars of the show but
the people and campsites add the necessary ingredients
that make Sebring so special.
Taking Camping to a whole different level: Through
the years I’ve gotten to know people from unbelievable
themed camps. F-Troop rocking through the night, playing
quarters at The Party Barge, getting the best view on
the track at Turn 10, and so many more. Because of all
they have given to the 12 Hours of Sebring Community, I
thought I’d give back, so started an annual Champagne
Toast to Sebring and It’s Fans and started camp “WFO.”
As CEO of Camp WFO we’ve had our camp on Justin
Bell’s TV show twice. Our camp has been featured in local
newspapers and our Thursday we host the “Champagne
Toast to Sebring.” It has become a party that caters
to all the great campsites. Turn-10, F-Troop, Skunk
Apes, Sebring Cows, Le Mans Curve Compound, Party
Barge, Dodge City and more, all come and partake in
kicking off the race week.
So as you drive in for the races and smell the orange blossoms
and the aroma turns to racing fuel as you approach
the gate and hear cars on track, know that you will be
a part of history, a rich history that dates back to 1950.
Stay Safe and enjoy yourself. Be thankful, be kind and be
a part of one of the great events in the world!!!”
/SebringFans.com