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PSCR, TRACK: Sebring Sets September Schedule

20 August 1998

SEBRING, Florida, -- Sebring International Raceway announced today that it will host the NAPA Auto Parts Sebring Classic Presented by Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil on September 17 to 19, 1998.

The race weekend features a three-hour race for World Sports Cars and GT cars on Saturday, September 19, and also includes the Speedvision Cup and Sports Toyota Championship support races.

"We're thrilled to have NAPA and Royal Purple on board for this race," said Tres Stephenson, Executive Raceway Director, Sebring International Raceway.

Mike Barbee, Southern Division Vice President of NAPA Auto Parts, concurs: "NAPA is the largest supplier of import and sports car parts in the automotive aftermarket," he said. "We are pleased to be the title sponsor of the NAPA Auto Parts Sebring Classic presented by Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil.."

This race will be the first event on the new and improved Sebring course. Panoz Motor Sports, leaseholder of Sebring, has devoted much time and effort to improving the historic track since it obtained the lease in January 1998.

The famous Sebring hairpin has been changed -- moved back slightly and modified, which will provide additional safety runoff for competitors and improved viewing for spectators. In the interest in safety, a large section of the circuit has been repaved to smooth out some of the famous Sebring "bumps."

"We're developing all Panoz Motor Sports tracks, including Road Atlanta, Mosport, and Sebring to CART safety standards," said Jim Selwa, chief operating officer, Panoz Motor Sports. "Our main concern is safety, and the CART track standards are some of the toughest in the world."

The raceway also completed new administrative offices that adjoin the registration building which opened last fall. For the race fans, two new restrooms have been constructed, one in the paddock and one in the Midway. This is in addition to the paddock restrooms added last year. More facility enhancements are planned for 1999.

"The Panoz organization is committed to making Sebring a world-class facility," said Tres Stephenson. "As we make these improvements, drivers and fans will have a venue in which to enjoy the world's fastest sport."