O’Connell, Corvette to be Inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

O’Connell, Corvette to be Inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

Two icons of sports car racing  will be inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame in March. Johnny O’Connell and the Chevrolet Corvette were named as part of the 2012 group of inductees into America’s greatest sports car race hall of fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, March 16 at the Chateau Elan Hotel which overlooks the historic race circuit.

Johnny O’Connell is Sebring’s all-time winner with seven class wins and an overall victory in 1994. He holds the Sebring record for class podium finishes at 12. His string of 20 consecutive starts is also a Sebring record. Although best known for driving with Corvette Racing, his early victories came driving for Nissan.

The Chevrolet Corvette has been proven itself time and again over six decades of racing at Sebring. Since its first appearance at Sebring in 1956, Corvette has earned an incredible 17 class wins. Corvette joins Porsche, Audi and Ferrari as automotive makes to be inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame.

The other inductees into the 2012 Sebring Hall of Fame include drivers Hans Herrmann, Geoff Brabham and Jim Downing as well as driver turned journalist Denise McCluggage.

Induction ceremonies will take place Friday, March 16, during a luncheon at the Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center, overlooking Sebring’s famous Hairpin turn. The luncheon is open to the pubic with admission proceeds benefiting the Sebring Hall of Fame. Derek Bell will serve as emcee for the event. Tickets are $200 and must be purchased in advance by calling 800-626-7223 x218.  

Congratulations to both Corvette and Mr. O'Connell! Both are very deserving of this special honor.