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The FIA Cars Arrive at Sebring

16 October 1997

Sebring, FL-"The FIA cars are really here!" That seemed to be the pervasive phrase of the fans arriving to the facility yesterday afternoon. With the turmoil of the PSR put to rest for at least this week-end, the attitude of the competitors was one of great anticipation for a fantastic week-end of racing.

The Sebring layout has been modified to meet the FIA standards. The one area that has caused concern among the drivers is the newly paved back straight. The concrete runway that has been utilized for years has been paved. The complaint is not the paving but rather the lack of room to race. In the old days the racing line could be as much as six cars wide. Now, with the pavement, the racing lane is no more than 2 and 1/2 cars wide. A bit disconcerting to some of the veterans, as it removes not only the passing availability but the margin of safety as well. It will be an area to watch on Saturday.

The schedule for today shows the qualifying for the Exxon Supreme GTS1, 2 and 3 series in the morning. The FIA cars will follow immediately for their first of two practice sessions. The Endurance Classes of Grand Sports, Sports, Touring and Compact will qualify from 1:45-2:40pm. At 4:40pm the Exxon World SportsCars will conduct their qualifying. Practice for the Endurance Classes will conclude the day's activities.

More to follow...

David Treffer -- The AutoChannel