PHILADELPHIA, PA — The roar of historic race cars, the thrill of endurance racing, and a full day of motorsports history will come together this March as the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum hosts a unique celebration timed to one of America’s most famous races.
On Saturday, March 21, the museum will present “Once Around the Clock: The Simeone 12 Hours of Sebring,” a 12-hour event running simultaneously with the legendary endurance race taking place in Sebring, Florida. The immersive program brings the excitement of the track to Philadelphia with live demonstrations, historic race cars, and real-time race coverage throughout the day.
“Since 1950, Sebring has been America’s proving ground,” said Kevin Kelly, executive director of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. “It’s where American builders, drivers, and engineers proved they could compete with the world’s best. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, this event honors that spirit of competition and innovation.”
Seven Eras of Racing History
Throughout the day, the museum will guide visitors through seven pivotal moments in Sebring racing history, each highlighted with historic vehicles, storytelling, and live demonstrations on the museum’s 3.5-acre tarmac.
The themed sessions will revisit milestones including the surprising Crosley victory in 1950, the race’s first true 12-hour format in 1952, America’s breakthrough with Cunningham in 1953, and the legendary battles between Detroit muscle and European engineering. Later segments spotlight the Jaguar-Ferrari factory rivalry, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe era, and a final champions parade celebrating decades of endurance racing.
More than two dozen historic race cars will be demonstrated throughout the event, with several appearing in multiple sessions. Inside the museum, visitors can also watch rare archival footage and participate in audience Q&A sessions with Kelly, offering deeper insights into the cars, drivers, and innovations that shaped the sport.
A Day Immersed in Racing Culture
To recreate the atmosphere of Sebring’s historic infield, the museum will transform its grounds with period-correct signage, vintage racing music, and staff dressed in era-appropriate racing attire. Meanwhile, continuous coverage of the live race in Florida will play across ten screens throughout the facility, allowing visitors to follow the real-time action as the Philadelphia event unfolds.
“This isn’t a static display,” Kelly said. “Guests who stay for multiple sessions will see the event evolve. The atmosphere intensifies as the race builds. We’ve built surprises into the program that reward those who commit to the full experience.”
The event follows the success of the museum’s annual Le Mans celebration, “24 Heures du Simeone,” which drew more than 1,000 visitors in 2025.
Event Details
- What: Once Around the Clock: The Simeone 12 Hours of Sebring
- When: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (doors open at 9:00 AM)
- Where: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, 6825–31 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153
- Cost/Tickets: Adults and youth (12+) $20; children under 11 free; museum members receive one free ticket
- More Info: https://simeonemuseum.org/sebring | 215-365-7233
Food vendors will be on-site from noon to 8:00 PM, and the event will be held rain or shine. Photography is encouraged, and free parking is available for visitors.
Located in Philadelphia, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum houses one of the world’s most respected collections of racing sports cars, featuring more than 75 historically significant vehicles spanning nearly a century of racing history.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.