Vanthoor Cleared to Race After Spa Paddock Accident

Photo: Porsche

Laurens Vanthoor has been cleared to race in this weekend’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round at Road America after a paddock accident at Spa-Francorchamps sidelined the Belgian with multiple injuries.

Vanthoor sustained a broken nose and facial wounds after a run-in with a quad all-terrain vehicle during last weekend’s TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa that resulted in a trip to the hospital during the race.

The Porsche factory driver did not complete the remainder of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup/Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli enduro, with his KCMG Porsche 911 GT3 R finishing fifth with its two remaining drivers. 

Sportscar365 understands there was initial concern of a head injury from his fall.

Vanthoor took to social media on Wednesday to say that he is “feeling good and cleared to race” this weekend at Road America, where he will climb behind the wheel of Pfaff Motorsports’ Porsche alongside Zach Robichon.

The pairing currently sit fourth in the GT Daytona title race heading into Sunday’s two-hour and 40-minute round.

“I’m very much looking forward to Road America,” said Vanthoor. “Obviously, I’m still recovering from the accident at the Spa 24, but I’m feeling much better and everything should be fine.

“Road America is one of my favorite tracks on the calendar. It’s a very exciting circuit.

“I’ve had enough of bad luck situations, I want to win. It’s a good track for us. The team has been doing well lately, so it’s time to take fortune in hand and turn this thing around to start winning this championship.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John