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McLaren-Driven P1 GTR Spins Out on Corkscrew, Barely Avoids Laguna Seca Crash

The Corkscrew isn't one of the most famous turns in the world just thanks to its appealing name. Laguna Seca's infamous corner is the kind of section that can catch even the sharpest driver-vehicle pair out, having led to numerous dramatic crashes over the years.
McLaren-Driven P1 GTR Spins Out on Corkscrew 1 photo
Photo: YouTube screenshot
Fortunately, such a situation has been avoided, albeit barely, during a recent McLaren P1 GTR track day, when one of the participating hybrid behemoths spun out early in the bend.

The 986 P1 GTR didn't seem to enjoy the aggressive Corkscrew line chosen by its driver, with the gas-electric racecar spinning as soon as it left the vibrator. And yes, the ceramic brake screeching noises are normal with a racecar like this one.

Since we're talking about McLaren's customer racing program, you'd expect such spinning moments to be normal, but this P1 GTR wasn't handled by a gentleman driver.

Instead, a McLaren-appointed driver was behind the wheel, with the driving instructor aiming to set a benchmark lap time for clients.

Youtuber effsport, who was enjoying the action from the other side of the protection fence while recording everything, tells the story: "While spectating one of the first Mclaren GTR private track days at Laguna Seca, one of the demo/factory owned P1 GTRs nearly crashed into the concrete barrier at the infamous corkscrew turn. The car was being driven by a professional driver; he was to set a laptime so the P1 GTR clients can try to match or beat the lap he sets. He was going absolutely 100% and overtook a handful of drivers."

Seeing pro drivers stepping out of their comfort zone only makes us applaud such track-confined efforts and perhaps increases the desirability for one of the world's 35 P1 GTRs. When McLaren is sweating in the process of providing 1,000 hp motorsport tuition, you know you want to be there.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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