A Porsche race car went off track and became airborne at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after the driver lost his brakes near a corkscrew bend Saturday.
Manuel Gil Del Real was behind the wheel of the No. 270 Porsche when he appeared to lose brake function while approaching the famous Zanardi Corkscrew at the end of the Rahal Straight.
Dramatic video shows Del Real’s Porsche 911 approaching the turn at full speed. Cresting the blind hill without slowing down, the car launched violently over the curb, cleared the tire wall, and pulverized the protective catch fence while airborne.
The car broke apart on impact as it somersaulted into the dense tree line beyond the track perimeter, showering the hillside with debris and barrier panels.
Despite the violent crash, Del Real survived and was airlifted to a local hospital.
“Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West driver Manuel Gil Del Real is awake following an on-track incident during Saturday morning’s race at Laguna Seca.
“He has been transported to a Salina hospital and is being evaluated and treated,” Porsche Motorsport North America said in a statement, reported Road and Track Magazine.
