--- title: "Skyline GT-R Owners Sue Laguna Seca After Tractor Smashed Into Stopped Cars During Red Flag" date: "2025-12-18" modified: "2025-12-18" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-skyline-gt-r-owners-suing-laguna-seca-after-negligent-tractor-driver-smashes-cars-during-red-flag" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" - "Racing" tags: - "classic car" - "Coupe" - "Nissan" - "Nissan Skyline GT-R" - "sports car" --- # Skyline GT-R Owners Sue Laguna Seca After Tractor Smashed Into Stopped Cars During Red Flag ![laguna skyline gtr crash]() *\Artin Nazaryan\* Two drivers are suing [WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca]() after a day at the track turned into a nightmare when a worker driving a telehandler crashed into their [Nissan]() Skyline GT-Rs while they were stopped on the track's front straight during a red flag earlier this month. According to the complaint, which was filed on Tuesday in Monterey County Superior Court by lawyers representing the GTR owners Artin Nazaryan and Akihiro Fuchigami, the two men were following Laguna Seca's instructions by safely pulling over to the side of the track after their session was red flagged due to another incident. While they were stopped, a telehandler—a large, forklift-type tractor with an extendable boom—entered the track behind them carrying a stack of tires, drove directly towards them, and struck with both cars with the drivers still inside. Videos of the crash and photos of the damage went viral on Instagram immediately after Nazaryan posted them in the wake of the incident. ![]() *The moment before the telehandler crashed into Nazaryan's GT-R, as captured by a rear-facing camera from a car in the pit lane. *Instagram** ![]() ![]() ![]() *The Drive* reached out to Nazaryan, whose lawyer provided the images seen in this article as well as the court filing. A media and public relations representative with Laguna Seca responded to our request for comment with the following statement: "An incident involving a track support vehicle and a racecar occurred at the facility during a privately operated on-track event earlier this month. The track continues to work through the process with diligence and timeliness." https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSL7vdUCcnu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The collision destroyed the back of Nazaryan's red R34 GT-R, crushing the trunk and rear bumper, breaking the rear window glass, and toppling its wing. Fuchigami's purple R32 GT-R was also seriously damaged on its right rear quarter panel. The lawsuit alleges that "the telehandler operator proceeded without maintaining a safe and clear line of sight ahead and without taking adequate measures to ensure the path of travel was clear," and that he "failed to perceive both of Plaintiffs’ stopped vehicles in front of him in sufficient time to avoid a collision." It asserts that the machine was operated in a "grossly negligent manner," and that precautions of "appropriate communications," as well as spotters and guidance, were not employed. Lastly, it claims both Nazaryan and Fuchigami suffered injuries "including, but not limited to, physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, inconvenience, and such other non-economic losses as will be proven at trial." https://www.instagram.com/p/DR-fnsiklxq/?img_index=3 Setting aside the significant monetary value of the cars, they were clearly labors of love for both owners, and [Nazaryan's Instagram profile]() shows he only bought his R34 in March. It's not our place to determine the level of Laguna Seca's negligence here, but what's indisputable from the photos and videos is that something went terribly wrong that day. Hopefully, someone makes it right. *Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com*[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()