Porsche driver Hans Herrmann, Autoweek columnist Denise McCluggage inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

Porsche great Hans Herrmann was inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame, two days prior to the 60th anniversary of the 12-hour race. He was joined by Geoff Brabham, Autoweek columnist Denise McCluggage, Johnny O'Connell and Jim Downing.

Herrmann's racing career spanned from 1953 to 1970. He was the overall winner twice at Sebring. In 1960, he won in a Porsche 718 RS60 with Oliver Gendebien. It was an important win for Porsche, being the first year that the 718 was campaigned. It ended with Porsche placing first and second. He repeated in 1968 in a Porsche 908 with co-driver Jo Siffert.

Not content with overall victories, Herrmann won his class at Sebring for Porsche in 1956 and 1966. Porsche regards him as one of the most consistent drivers of all time.

In addition to the 12-hour race, Herrmann grabbed more than 80 checkered flags for Porsche, Mercedes, Borgward and Abarth. He was the German champion in the 1,500-cc class from 1953 to 1955 and the manufacturers' World Champion in 1969-70. He also won at Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, Carrera Panamericana and at Le Mans, where he grabbed Porsche's first overall victory in a 917.

Herrmann retired in 1970 at age 42.

McCluggage is a true pioneer of American road racing in terms of both participation and coverage. As a reporter with the New York Herald, she covered motorsports, which brought her to Competition Press, the progenitor of Autoweek. McCluggage's report on the 24 Hours of Le Mans appeared in our first issue on July 16, 1958. The magazine has benefited from her insights, wisdom and wit ever since.

Autoweek in the magazine's first issue in 1958." title="Long-time columnist Denise McCluggage, shown here with a camera strapped around her neck at Le Mans in 1958, published her first article for Autoweek in the magazine's first issue in 1958." width="630" height="378" style="padding:3px; border:solid 1px #CCC;" /> LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC
Long-time columnist Denise McCluggage, shown here with a camera strapped around her neck at Le Mans in 1958, published her first article for Autoweek in the magazine's first issue in 1958.

By Jake Lingeman