Full Breakdown
Laguna Seca Renames Its Legendary Corkscrew to Honor Alex Zanardi
9/2/2026, 12:20:40 AM
Core Event
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will rename its iconic two-part corner the “Zanardi Corkscrew” on Friday. The ceremony will feature guests from Zanardi’s career, including Chip Ganassi, Max Papis, Doug Boles and other IndyCar figures. A commemorative marker will be unveiled, permanently linking Zanardi’s name to the track’s most famous bend.
Background & Context
On the final lap of the 1996 CART season finale at Laguna Seca, Alex Zanardi, driving the No. 4 Target Chip Ganassi Honda Reynard, executed a daring inside pass on Bryan Herta entering the Corkscrew. The maneuver secured a win and became known as “The Pass,” a defining moment in motorsports history. Zanardi’s rookie season yielded three victories, and he went on to win the CART championship in each of the next two seasons. A 2001 crash at the Lausitzring resulted in double-leg amputation, after which Zanardi achieved Paralympic gold medals, a WTCC race win and a stint as a BMW factory driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona. He died in May at age 59, prompting a “Grazie Alex” tribute on the Corkscrew during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round earlier that year.
Official Statements & Responses
Bruce Canepa, a longtime associate of the driver, reflected on Zanardi’s impact: “I met Alex in his Rookie IndyCar year with Chip,” emphasizing the driver’s fearless style, determination and “infectious smile.” Track officials highlighted the renaming as a permanent acknowledgment of Zanardi’s “indomitable spirit” and his lasting influence on both open-wheel and sports-car racing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I met Alex in his Rookie IndyCar year with Chip,” — Bruce Canepa
- “I met Alex in his rookie IndyCar year with Chip [Ganassi],” — Bruce Canepa
Why It Matters
The renaming cements Zanardi’s legacy at the very corner where his most celebrated overtaking move occurred, offering fans a tangible reminder of his contributions to racing and his inspirational comeback after tragedy. The tribute also reinforces Laguna Seca’s tradition of honoring figures who have shaped motorsport history.
