SEBRING, Fla. — A striking new perpetual trophy befitting the stature and prestige of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring has been unveiled in anticipation of the 75th running of the great race on March 20, 2027.
Commissioned to have a classic look, but also a contemporary style, one worthy of Sebring’s nine decades – including its war history – the trophy incorporates multiple layers of symbolism honoring Sebring’s storied history, enduring spirit and place among the greatest motor races in the world.
Named for its founder and first promoter Alec Ulmann, the mission given to Jostens’ designer Jeremy Dickey was to deliver a product that embraced the past while being worthy of a long road ahead – a trophy that would stand the test of time.
From the first concept delivered for review from the design team, it was clear Jostens would more than meet the challenge of accomplishing a classic, yet contemporary result. Dickey not only incorporated the track’s history into his design but also incorporated its previous use as a World War II Army Air Forces training base known as Hendricks Field from 1942 to 1945.
The handles on the sides of the trophy represent the wings of an airplane that flew in and out of Hendricks Field from 1942 to 1945.
The six panels around the trophy pay homage to the Western Hemisphere’s first sports car endurance race, the New Year’s Eve six-hour Sam Collier Memorial Grand Prix of Endurance, held at Sebring International Raceway on Dec. 31, 1950.
The 12 uprights, located just above the words Alec Ulmann Trophy, are emblematic of the 12 hour race.
Looking at the trophy from above, there is a clock face also representative of the 12 hour race.
Most noticeable on the trophy, the stylized 12 on top of the clock dial also signifies the 12 hour race.
“While the process of capturing a distinct look or feel can often be a creative challenge, collaborating with our Jostens’ team lead by Curt Bruns and the team Sebring International Raceway was remarkably seamless,” Dickey said. “Fortunately, the site offers both rich history and strong foundational elements, which made the design process a highly collaborative, successful and smooth experience.”
