The slow boat from China has arrived!
The WEC freight has arrived in the USA after its long trip from China, and the installation of the WEC paddock has begun! The 1000 Miles of Sebring is almost with us.
To help control budgets, most of the cargo associated with the WEC is sea-freighted as opposed to being transported by air. At the conclusion of the 6 Hours of Shanghai in November, the teams carefully wrapped, protected and loaded their cars and equipment into the containers which are their portable storage bases for the overseas races within the world championship. The freight then set off from Shanghai for the long trip to Florida.
The task of deciding what should or should not be shipped is a mammoth one, and the WEC’s Logistics team works closely with the entrants and WEC partner DHL throughout the year. DHL’s agents are the first on site at a race venue and, having monitored its safe passage through customs and the port, are already at Sebring to receive the WEC freight on site.
Precious cargo
This freight comprises no fewer than 70 shipping containers – each 40ft/12m in size and capable of carrying over 26,000 kg of goods – plus those of tyre companies Michelin and Dunlop with the thousands of tyres to be used in the USA.
Secured by 1500 straps while travelling, these containers will be the temporary home at the overseas rounds for the teams’ race cars, spares, pit and garage equipment plus championship equipment such as pace cars, banners and signage, office machinery, all the TV equipment and much more.
The @FIAWEC setup for the #1000mSebring is well underway for #SuperSebring. Note the spirit of three-wide racing! pic.twitter.com/Xb6juuDbuv
— Sebring Raceway (@sebringraceway) February 25, 2019
Starting from scratch
Unlike most other circuits visited by the WEC, the Sebring paddock does not have permanent garages or facilities so it will be built up from scratch. Keep following our social media channels to see the progress over the coming week!
