Horrific IndyCar weekend crash sends Porsche flying over Laguna Seca barrier into trees

The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup went airborne at Laguna Seca’s famous Corkscrew, flipped several times and came to rest among the trees beyond the circuit. Manuel Gil Del Real, who was driving the car, remained conscious after the crash.

The accident happened during the opening race of the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. The car struck a tire barrier, broke through the protective fence and caused extensive damage to the track’s safety infrastructure. Officials stopped activity while the barriers and fence were repaired.

Porsche Motorsport North America said Gil Del Real was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Salinas for examination and medical care. Images after the crash showed the front of the Porsche, including its front axle, completely torn away. The safety cage around the cockpit remained intact, a crucial protection for the driver in an impact of such force.

The crash occurred at the section now called the “Zanardi Corkscrew,” a name Laguna Seca adopted before the race weekend to honor Italian driver Alex Zanardi and his celebrated 1996 overtaking move there. The scene also recalled the fatal 1999 crash involving Uruguayan driver Gonzalo Rodríguez during a CART race at the same circuit, although the circumstances and outcome were different.

Repairs affected the IndyCar schedule. The second IndyCar practice session started late and ultimately lasted only 25 minutes. Gil Del Real competes part-time in the GT3 Cup Masters category and owns a digital marketing company.