Corvette stalwart Kerry Hitt emerges 2nd at Sebring opener in his ACP Caddy-bodied creation

# 19 Kerry Hitt recorded his best ever Trans Am finish in the opening round of the Series that officially began 50 years ago at Sebring in 1966.  The old addage “shit happens” dispatched a succession of leaders in the late stages of the race.  # 80 Kenny Bupp survived to win in a Camaro.

# 23 Amy Ruman took the lead over # 4 Paul Fix, a late entry, and pole sitter # 06 RJ Lopez whose transmission let go on the first lap. 

Many a racer at Sebring has been blinded by the low late winter sunset.   That disrupted Ruman, if just for an instant by going a fraction too deep into turn 17.  The spin sent her back to 10th in TA.  With 7 laps remaining she recovered to finish 18th overall.

Fix following closely was less fortunate.  In trying to avoid the incident he contacted the wall and was out.

# 36 Cliff Ebben & # 86 John Baucom, each racing Mustangs inherited the lead but quickly lost it (flat tire and mechanical failure) respectively.  The # 44 Corvette of the next leader, AJ Henricksen, was accidently forced off track by another car.

# 7 Claudio Burtin Corvette moved up to third for his best result.

Our thanks to Larry Van Scoy and Chris Clark for photos.

Race Results compiled by Wayne Ellwood

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