Laguna Seca 1996

Photos from the 1996 Toyota Grand Prix of Monterey, Laguna Seca, California. I caught qualifying with my friend Pam, and Judith and Pete joined us on race day.

Jan Magnusson, who took over from Emerson Fittipaldi after his crash in the Hogan-Penske car, gets caught by fans on his way to and from the restrooms.

 

Beginning in 1997 he competed in Formula One for the Stewart Grand Prix team.

Gil de Ferran rounds a corner during qualifying in his Hall Racing Pennzoil Reynard-Honda.

Photo courtesy of Pam.

Alex Zanardi leads Al Unser Jr and Al's future team-mate Andre Ribiero through Turn 11.

Again, photo by Pam.

Christian Fittipaldi turned some swift qualifying laps in the Lola. Here we see him descending the Corkscrew.

And they go pretty fast through the Corkscrew as rookie Mark Blundell shows in his PacWest team Reynard-Ford Cosworth.

Greg Moore in his rookie season driving the Player's/Forsythe Reynard-Mercedes.

Andre Ribiero in the LCI sponsored Tasman Lola Honda.

Bryan Herta takes a flying qualifying lap...

...only to be eclipsed by Alex Zanardi in the final moments of the session with a 68.004 second lap to Bryan's 68.184.

British driver Mark Blundell's PacWest car waiting for inspection after qualifying third for the race.

For 1997, he gains Mercedes engines and additional sponsorship from Motorola. Expect some good results!

Zanardi's Target-Ganassi Reynard-Honda being inspected after grabbing pole position.

Alex went on to win the race, with a controversial pass at the Corkscrew on the last lap.

Jimmy Vasser, also with Chip Ganassi's team, signing autographs in the paddock. Jimmy went on to clinch the championship at the race.

Can he keep up with Zanardi in the 1997 season?

Pam and I got to meet both Jimmy and Alex. Here's Pam having her photo taken with Alex.

And, at last, I have the photo of me and Alex as I wish him luck for the race where he performed "The Pass" on Bryan Herta at the Corkscrew on the last lap to win the race. Well, OK, so most of it was down to Alex, but I wished him well...