Historic Mazda 767B Destroyed by Fire at Laguna Seca

A legendary Mazda 767B, one of only three prototypes that once raced at Le Mans, caught fire in the Laguna Seca paddock during a warm-up session. The incident was caused by a procedural error while heating the car, triggering a dramatic blaze that sent team members and onlookers scrambling for extinguishers.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the fire damaged the bodywork and engine bay, melting electrical components. The car, chassis 767-003, is owned by Anthony McIntosh, an FIA World Endurance Championship competitor in the LMGT3 class with Team WRT's BMW M4.

Frantic Moments and Team Statement

Brendon Leitch, a GT World Challenge Australia racer, was suited up and moments away from boarding the historic machine when it ignited. McIntosh's team confirmed the car will not complete the remainder of the Reunion event but vowed to restore it. "The car is special to every member of our team, and to history. Its story is not over. #203 will be restored once more, and sing again," the statement read.

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The 767B that burned is chassis 767-003, which raced at Le Mans in 1989 and 1990. After retiring from the factory, it was sold and competed in the All Japan Sports Prototype Car Endurance Championship from 1991-1992 before passing through private collectors. Following restoration, it was returned to its 1990 Le Mans livery.

Of the three 767Bs built, chassis 767-001 is owned by Senji Hoshino and has visited Australia, while 767-002 belongs to Todd Flis and is part of Mazda's heritage collection. This fire is a significant loss to motorsport history, given the car's rarity and legacy.

Leitch, originally scheduled to drive the 767-003, will now pilot one of McIntosh's other cars, a 1991 Toyota Eagle, for this weekend's event. Despite the setback, the team's determination to restore the car remains a highlight.