Iconic, $2 Million Mazda Race Car Catches Fire at Laguna Seca

A rare, privately owned Mazda 767B race car was captured on video posted to Instagram bursting into flames in the paddock of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The car was stationary under a tent when the fire started. The images are dramatic, but the flames were reportedly extinguished quickly before it they caused major damage. Thankfully, no one was reportedly injured.

The Mazda 767B belongs to the same family of rotary-powered race cars the automaker used to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance events around the world. Many enthusiasts will remember the later 787B for its unmistakable, high-pitched exhaust note and, most notably, for winning Le Mans overall in 1991. That victory was the first for any Japanese automaker at the famous endurance race.

Mazda Motorsports’ official Instagram account confirmed that the race car that caught on fire was privately owned and not part of its heritage collection. Flis Performance, which manufactures the Mazda MX-5 Cup race cars, also stated on Instagram the car was chassis number 003, which belongs to a private owner and was last sold at auction in 2017 for $1.75 million. (The car in the incident is number 203; Mazda’s car, shown here, is chassis 002 and wears number 202.) The status of the four-rotor prototype is currently unknown, but given its value and provenance, it will no doubt be quickly returned to its former glory.

The incident won’t impede Mazda fans from seeing another special rotary-powered machine. The automaker had already announced plans to bring the original 787B from Japan to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see and hear the car that achieved one of motorsports’ most historic victories.

The Mazda-owned 767B and 787B are also expected to appear on the main lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of the Japanese Motorsports class, making this year’s Monterey Car Week especially significant for fans of Mazda’s rotary racing era.

We reached out to Mazda for comment and it provided the following statement:

“We are grateful that there were no major injuries resulting from the incident involving the Mazda 767B at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This was an unfortunate accident, and today is a difficult day for the entire Mazda Motorsports community. The 767B holds a special place in Mazda’s racing heritage and in the hearts of the many enthusiasts who have helped preserve and celebrate these remarkable cars over the years.

While this particular 767B is privately owned, we know how important this car is to the Mazda Motorsports community. We are encouraged by the owner’s commitment to fully restore the vehicle, and Mazda will do everything we can to support that effort.

Our thoughts are with everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing this iconic piece of Mazda racing history back where it belongs - on the track.”