The Special Events calendar returns state side this weekend for the Sebring 12 Hours. A tricky track, here’s a guide on surviving the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours.
Image credit: iRacing.com
With the official, real-world race concluded, it’s time for iRacing to switch its focus to Sebring for its next Special Event. These races that bring the community together replicate topical real-world events throughout the year. NASCAR classics and legendary enduros form the bulk of the Special Events calendar with the next stop being the Sebring 12 Hours.
The second Floridian endurance event of the year, the 12 hours is yet another unique competition. Taking place on the infamously bumpy and narrow course in a multiclass environment, it is sure to cause many retirements. But in an act of kindness, here is a guide on how best to survive the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours.
Respect the Sebring bumps
Before going into the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours, it’s of the upmost importance to know the track. Unlike Daytona which is relatively easy to learn, Sebring features many complexities that can end your race. These complexities are known as bumps.
Built on a WW2 airfield, the surface of Sebring International Raceway is a mix of tarmac and concrete, all of which is full of large bumps. Most of these are large enough to launch all four wheels of your car into the air. So it’s important to find alternative racing lines to avoid the larger ones.
Whilst turns 1 and 17 – Sunset bend – are relatively high-speed, high-downforce corners, the rest of the track is made up of slower turns. Mechanical grip and a soft suspension is clearly what works best at this venue from a setup perspective.
Most of the corners, especially turns 7, 10 and 13 are all about getting the car rotated and launching well. For the most part, do not use the kerbs as they rise dramatically from the track surface and will spit you into the opposite wall.
Sebring is a difficult course to get right, and it’s not different in iRacing. But once you get into a rhythm and know the track, you should be set for an enjoyable race.
Cars in the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours
Much like the Daytona 24 Hour race that took place in January, the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours will bring together the typical IMSA series grid. Three classes of car are available to choose from, each presenting their own challenges and speeds.
Headlining the grid is the GTP class. Currently, this only includes the BMW M Hybrid V8. Although rumours suggest that by the time we get to Petit Le Mans in October, the class may double or triple in car variety. This hybrid prototype is a rocket on the straights, but on the corners isn’t all that much faster than the second fastest class, LMP2.
LMP2 is an easier to drive prototype class which gets most of its speed from high-speed corners. Plenty of downforce and modest straight line speed means the Dallara P217 isn’t far off the pace of the BMW. Around Sebring especially, the cars are on similar lap times which can cause issues at the race start.
Finally, the iRacing Sebring 12 Hour field is rounded out by the GTD class using GT3 machinery. Multiple cars fit into this class, so it’s important to choose the best car for you. We put together a guide on the best GT3 cars for the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours earlier this week.
Where to Watch
Practicing for the race and simply running it can take up a lot of time. That’s why many simracers will choose not to compete in this high-profile event. But that doesn’t mean you can’t follow all the action in the various splits.
As ever, RaceSpot will provide live stream coverage of the top split competition. This is where the main simracing esports teams will duke it out for glory in all three classes. It is also by following this live stream that Twitter will inevitably erupt at the slightest signs of controversy. In fact, the previous iRacing IMSA endurance race saw tempers flair as Williams decided to play with the rule book.
Elsewhere, countless streamers are sure to take part in the race. They will certainly show their point of view throughout the once around the clock race. This is a great way for subscribers, followers and whatever else they’re called to hang out with their favourite simracing personalities.
Even if you are competing, it is always a nice way to include oneself in the community by keeping track of various live streams throughout the race. That being said, make sure not to look away from the race whilst going through a corner. Surviving Sebring is hard enough without the extra challenge of losing focus.
Are you competing in the iRacing Sebring 12 Hours this year? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
