Laguna Seca's famous Corkscrew dedicated to Alex Zanardi and his famous pass.

The Corkscrew and Alex Zanardi have been linked since 1996, when Zanardi charged inside of race leader Bryan Herta at the entry to the famous corner—a desperate lunge for the lead in the race’s final lap.

Zanardi broke late and made the turn, but missed the apex. His car skittered into the gravel then back onto the track. Zanardi managed to keep control of the car and snatch the lead from Herta, winning the race.

In IndyCar history, the move is simply known as The Pass.

On Friday, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and IndyCar held a ceremony dedicating the corner to the legendary Italian driver, who died earlier this year. The event marks 30 years since the moment that captivated race fans.

“It’s two legends coming together,” says Rinus Veekay, driver of the Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet.

Current drivers praised the dedication of the Zanardi Corkscrew. IndyCar president Doug Boles, Mike Hull of Ganassi Racing, Friends of Laguna Seca Vice President Bruce Canepa, Chip Ganassi, owner of Ganassi Racing (and the car Zanardi drove that day), and former IndyCar driver Max Papis were joined by local dignitaries and others.

“I just know the stories—what a great guy he was, what a great driver he was,” says Kyffin Simpson, a current Ganassi Racing Honda driver. “It was great to see the dedication.”

In 2001, Zanardi lost both legs in a vicious accident at EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany. He was able to return to racing in the European Touring Car Championship and other series. He also became a Paralympics gold medalist.

The Pass has become legendary. Current drivers recognize the skill it took to hold onto the car as it left and reentered the track—especially with the equipment of the time.

“It’s an incredible moment,” observes Alexander Rossi, pilot of the Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet. “Part of me believes it wasn’t intentional.”

“In the video, Herta was fair—he gave [Zanardi] space,” says Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda driver Graham Rahal. 

He suggests that other drivers would have tried to slam the door on Zanardi, likely causing a spin or an accident. But it doesn’t alter the daring of the move.

Of all the current drivers, Rahal is the only one likely to have been at the track that day 30 years ago.

“I’m sure I was here, since it was our car that was passed,” he says with a smile.