Laguna Seca to Rename Corkscrew After Zanardi

Photo: Brandon Badraoui/IMSA

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will officially rename its iconic Corkscrew the “Zanardi Corkscrew” on Friday, honoring the late Alex Zanardi and commemorating the 30th anniversary of his extraordinary pass that became one of the defining moments of his remarkable career.

The ceremony will bring together guests from throughout Zanardi’s career including Chip Ganassi, Max Papis, Doug Boles, and other IndyCar legends.

Plans for a commemorative marker recognizing the Zanardi Corkscrew will be unveiled during the ceremony, permanently linking his name with the most famous landmark in motorsports.

The circuit placed a “Grazie Alex” message at the Corkscrew during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round in May, the same weekend where the Italian passed away at the age of 59.

On Sept. 8, 1996, during the final lap of the CART season finale at Laguna Seca, Zanardi, driving the No. 4 Target Chip Ganassi Honda Reynard made a daring move on Bryan Herta entering the Corkscrew. It was the final lap of the 1996 season and resulted in a win.

The breathtaking maneuver became known simply as “The Pass.”

Thirty years later, it remains one of the most recognized moments in the history of Laguna Seca.

“I met Alex in his Rookie IndyCar year with Chip,” said Bruce Canepa. “We will always remember his fearless racing style, his determination and, perhaps most of all, that infectious smile that made him so beloved throughout the motorsports community.”

Following the devastating 2001 accident at the Lausitzring that resulted in the loss of both of his legs, Zanardi made an extraordinary return to racing and later became a champion handcyclist and Paralympic gold medalist.

He also competed in sports car racing, both in the Rolex 24 at Daytona as well as what was then called the Blancpain GT Series in Europe.

Source: Sports Car 365