Michael SatterfieldThe 73rd running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring was nothing short of historic, as Porsche Penske Motorsport secured a dominant 1-2 finish, marking their first overall victory at the legendary event since 2008. With the No. 7 Porsche 963, driven by Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor, taking the checkered flag, followed closely by the No. 6 car, the win cemented Penske’s return to the top of endurance racing.
For Roger Penske, this victory was deeply personal. The last time a Penske team stood on the top step at Sebring, it was with the iconic Porsche RS Spyder, a car that defined a generation of endurance racing. Now, nearly two decades later, Porsche Penske Motorsport has reasserted itself as the team to beat.
Porsche Penske: The Making of a Champion
Photographer Hayden Kidd captured the intensity, preparation, and emotion that fueled this triumphant weekend from the early morning darkness, as mechanics fine-tuned the hybrid-powered 963s, to the sheer exhaustion and exhilaration in the Penske pit box as the checkered flag fell.
The road to Sebring was paved with challenges. Coming off their monumental Rolex 24 at Daytona win, the team knew that expectations were high. The 12 Hours of Sebring is one of the most grueling races in endurance motorsport, with its relentless bumps and ever-changing conditions testing both machine and driver alike. But under the leadership of Roger Penske, there was an unwavering confidence that this was their year also to sew up Sebring.
12 Hours Of Sebring: The Race Unfolds
From the moment the green flag waved, it was clear that the Porsche 963s had the pace to contend. The No. 7 car, piloted by Nasr, Tandy, and Vanthoor, quickly established itself as a frontrunner, battling with Cadillac and Acura for control of the race. The No. 6 machine, driven by Mathieu Jaminet, Dane Cameron, and Kevin Estre, remained a formidable contender, ensuring that Porsche Penske had strength in numbers.
As the Florida sun set and the race transitioned into its final hours, the competition intensified. Attrition claimed several contenders, while strategic pit stops and fuel management became critical factors. With two hours remaining, the battle for victory narrowed to a duel between the Penske Porsches and the remaining Cadillacs.
Nick Tandy, whose endurance racing pedigree includes a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was handed the responsibility of bringing the No. 7 car home. His masterful driving in the closing stints—navigating traffic, fending off challengers, and executing flawless pit stops—proved decisive. When the final checkered flag waved, Tandy crossed the finish line first, delivering Porsche Penske Motorsport a long-awaited Sebring triumph.
Nick Tandy Joins The Legends
With this victory, Nick Tandy joined an elite club of endurance racing legends. He has now claimed wins in the three biggest sports car endurance races in the world—the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Dubbed the “Triple Crown of Endurance Racing,” this achievement places him among the sport’s all-time greats. Just thirteen drivers have ever won the honor, which includes legends like Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Jacky Ickx, and A.J. Foyt.
“Sebring is one of the toughest races out there, and to win here with Porsche Penske Motorsport is something special,” Tandy said post-race. “The whole team put in an incredible effort. The car was fantastic, and everything came together at the right time.”
Roger Penske’s Return To Glory
Roger Penske, now 87 years old, has built an empire in motorsports. His name is synonymous with winning, whether in IndyCar, NASCAR, or sports car racing. But endurance racing has always been a passion of his, and this victory marked another chapter in his legendary career.
“It was a team effort, and all the drivers were on their game today,” Penske told NBC Sports. “The Porsche 963 was outstanding. You could see it just got better and better as the weather got cooler. Smart work in the pits, good job, no issues there. Coming in 1-2 here after it’s been a long time since we won this race. Just an amazing day.”
A Season of Dominance?
With victories at both Daytona and Sebring, Porsche Penske Motorsport has swept what is often referred to as the “36 Hours of Florida.” The question now is whether they can maintain this form throughout the rest of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season and into Le Mans. For Porsche Penske Motorsport, this was more than just a race win. It was the culmination of years of effort, a testament to their resilience, and perhaps the start of a new golden era in endurance racing. As racing fans, we can’t wait to see what else 2025 holds for Team Penske.
Photos Courtesy of Hayden Kidd
