IVRA Endurance Round 2 Recap: Sebring 200

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 - Sebring, Florida, USA

Photos by Nathan Deering

Written by Floyd Kerr

The #104 Hyperion Racing LMP2 team competed in the second round of the IVRA Endurance series at the historic Sebring International Raceway this past weekend. With drivers Floyd Kerr, Sek-Yin-Ho, and Ryan Long behind the wheel, we took on the challenging 200-lap endurance race, making the most of our preparation and adaptability.

Preparation for Sebring

Our preparation was meticulous. During the week leading up to the race, the team organized several practice sessions to test and refine our car setup. The hot conditions we simulated during these sessions proved invaluable, as they helped us understand how to save tires effectively, a skill that became crucial on race day. Two final practice sessions allowed us to fine-tune the setup further, ensuring we were ready for the challenges Sebring had in store.

Qualifying and Early Race Drama

Floyd Kerr qualified the car in 9th position out of a competitive 12-car field. Right from the start, the race presented its share of chaos. A safety car was deployed after the first lap, which gave us a moment to breathe and strategize amidst the early mayhem. This pattern of interruptions continued with four more safety cars deployed before lap 60.

These constant disruptions demanded sharp strategic adjustments. By focusing on tire management and making smart calls during restarts, we minimized time loss and steadily worked our way up the field. At one point, we climbed as high as 3rd place—a testament to our decision-making and consistency in a hectic first half of the race.

Mid-Race: Battling Tough Traffic

Ryan Long took over for the mid-race stints, navigating challenging conditions with grit. The hotter track temperatures added another layer of complexity as he defended against drivers in the 7k–10k iRating range. Despite his efforts, the intense traffic moments and competitive pressure saw us drop to 7th place.

Closing the Race: Sek-Yin’s Tire-Saving Heroics

For the final two and a half stints, Sek-Yin Ho took the wheel. His mission was to make the tires last for the remaining 30 laps, a task that required immense precision and control. Despite the wear and tear, Sek’s steady driving ensured we finished strong, crossing the line in P7, just 30 seconds shy of P6 after 200 grueling laps.

Reflecting on Sebring

While we aimed for a higher finish, P7 was a solid result against such a competitive field. The race highlighted our strengths in preparation, strategy, and teamwork, and it’s clear we’re growing as a unit with each event.

“A big thank you to my teammates, Sek-Yin Ho and Ryan Long, for their dedication and skill throughout the race. We’ll take the lessons learned at Sebring and apply them as we gear up for the next round of the IVRA Endurance series.” - Driver Floyd Kerr