22.02.2004 FIFTY YEARS LATER SIR STIRLING MOSS AND THE LITTLE OSCA WILL RETURN TO SEBRING

Fifty years after recording perhaps the greatest upset in endurance racing history, Sir Stirling Moss and the little Italian sports car he drove to victory are returning to Sebring.

Stirling Moss was already on his way to becoming a legend when he drove the Briggs Cunningham-owned OSCA MT4 to victory in the 12-hour endurance race with Bill Lloyd. OSCA's were built by the Maserati brother's Officine Specializate Construczione Automobili, hence the name OSCA. Moss took the lead in the final hour, overtaking the Lancia team and its legendary drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio and Alberto Ascari. The underpowered OSCA did not even break into the top ten until the fifth hour. Moss then began a spectacular charge to the front, passing an Austin Healey 100, two Lancias and a Ferrari.

Moss is regarded among the greatest drivers in motorsports history. His legendary career of over 190 victories includes 16 Formula One Grand Prix wins. He will be inducted into the Sebring Sports Car Racing Hall of Fame on Friday, March 19, the day before the 52nd Annual running of Sebring's sports car endurance classic. Other inductees include Mario Andretti, Carroll Shelby, Bobby Rahal, Bob and Al Holbert and race official Ford Heacock, Sr.

Moss had a total of nine career starts at Sebring, which also included second place in 1957 and the fastest race lap three times.

The OSCA will be on display in the Gallery of Legends display in the paddock, courtesy of the Collier Museum in Naples, Florida. Its 1.5 litre engine remains the smallest displacement powerplant ever to win at Sebring.