Muscle Milk MEGA Athlete, Memo Gidley, was back in the car that brought he and his four co-drivers the winning cup in last year’s NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill race. Gidley was asked to take some of the initial shake down laps in the Ehret Family Vineyards Porsche 997 after an extensive winter re-build and upgrade. Some of the changes include a rebuilt and larger displacement motor and a bigger wing and more powerful aero package, all in preparation for this year’s race.
“When you win a long distance endurance race, the race car you were driving becomes very special,” said Gidley. “I really like driving the 997, but to me the car feels like family…and it was awesome to get back in and let her rip!”
Memo was sharing driving duties with car owner and co-driver Anthony Ward at Sonoma Raceway, in Sonoma, CA.
“Sonoma Raceway, otherwise known as Sears Point, is a fantastic track that I have driven on since the start of my career,” said Gidley. “It has huge elevation changes and corners that really remind a person of driving through the hills of Sonoma. It is a perfect place to drive this great Porsche.”
Award Motorsports plans an extensive testing schedule in preparations for this year’s race, with the goal to repeat its winning performance from last year. Last year Memo shared duties with Anthony Ward, Pierre Erhet, Tyler McQuarrie, and Christian Bollrath.
“This NASA 25Hour race has turned into one of those stand alone events that people want to win badly,” said Gidley. “When I looked around the paddock I saw a dozen or so of pro drivers, along with the hundred of top amateur drivers from around the US. The competition along with the fact that the race is 25 hours, and has no corner lights…make it a big challenge…something I really look forward to.”