1972 Mirage Cosworth M6: Bell and van Lennep

Sebring 1972: It was the end of an era. The Glory Days were in the rear view mirror. Still, it was one last chance to win one of the greatest endurance races of all times and the big boys showed up "en masse". Ferrari had been developing their 3-liter engine for a couple years now and were ready when the FIA nixed the 5-liter sports cars from competing in the World Sports Car Championship. Between the factory Ferrari and Alfa Romeo teams, they stacked the front of the grid's first 6 spots in qualifying. Qualifying 7th was the lone entry for the Gulf Racing Team...the beautiful #7 Mirage Cosworth M6, piloted by Derek Bell and Gijs van Lennep. In a sea of Italian red, it had to stand out in the lovely Gulf livery colors. Unfortunately, the Mirage only made it through 48 laps and dnf'd with transmission issues. 1972 was the final year for Sebring. Until it wasn't. Lucky for us fans, it was saved by John Greenwood, John Bishop, Reggie Smith, and no doubt a few other diehards that knew we had something too valuable to lose. It would take a few years to build back up to international status but we made it through the tough times and are still relevant in the world of endurance racing!