Full Breakdown
Porsche Driver Crashes at Laguna Seca’s Iconic Corkscrew
9/8/2026, 4:52:17 AM
Incident Overview
During a Saturday race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a Porsche 911 entered the famed Zanardi Corkscrew at the end of the Rahal Straight without slowing. The car appeared to lose brake function, vaulted the blind hill, cleared the tire wall and the protective catch fence, and became airborne. It somersaulted into the dense tree line beyond the track perimeter, breaking apart on impact and scattering debris and barrier panels.
Driver and Vehicle Details
Manuel Gil Del Real was piloting the No. 270 Porsche in the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West series. Despite the violent nature of the crash, Del Real survived the impact. He was airlifted to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
Crash Dynamics
Video footage captured the Porsche 911 approaching the turn at full speed, cresting the hill without deceleration, and launching over the curb. The car’s trajectory carried it over the catch fence, a safety feature designed to contain out-of-control vehicles, before it struck the hillside. The impact caused the chassis to break apart and the vehicle to tumble into the trees.
Official Statements & Responses
Porsche Motorsport North America confirmed that the driver was transported to a Salina hospital where medical staff were assessing his condition. The organization noted that Del Real was awake following the incident and was receiving treatment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has been transported to a Salina hospital and is being evaluated and treated,” — Porsche Motorsport North America
The incident underscores the challenges of controlling high-performance race cars on demanding circuits and highlights the importance of robust safety barriers at motorsport venues.
