After a summer of extensive testing, Memo Gidley will return to wheel to wheel competition as driver of the TKO Motorsports Porsche GT3R. This will be the Pirelli World Challenge race debut for Memo as the newly signed TKO Motorsports driver in the GT category at the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, September 15 – 17.
“Racing in PWC is starting back at the top,” said Memo. “Seems like my whole career is about extreme challenges and this will be no different racing against top teams in this series. I am extremely excited to get back out there and race.”
“To sign with TKO is an unbelievably great feeling because they are so supportive and behind me,” added Memo. “Their Porsche GT3R has been such a surprise in car for me to drive! I have limited GT car experience and was completely blown away by how fast this car can go and how comfortable it is to drive.”
It has been a long road to recovery for Memo after his 2014 wreck at the Daytona 24 Hours in which he sustained multiple injuries and underwent multiple surgeries as part of his recovery.
“As much as I would love the 2014 accident to not have happened because the recovery was very difficult,” said Memo, “the one benefit out of my situation is hopefully I can provide inspiration to somebody else who is pushing to get through some type of challenging healing process.”
Memo and the team are looking forward to the challenge of this first race together and hope to show everyone what dedicated competitors they are. The team’s goals are to be competitive somewhere in the field and to battle other competitors. The team also hopes to gain valuable race experience for 2018 as they have their sights on a full PWC season next year.
“TKO has an amazing facility and they build awesome cars and parts,” said Memo. “Even more important, the owner and the employees are super individuals and completely dedicated to being the best. Although they are new to car racing, I have no doubt we will climb the ladder to the top together. I would love nothing more than to team up with TKO for a full 2018 season! In the last year for me so much has been positive that this would just be another reason to pinch myself so that I know that it’s not a dream!”
“I have no doubt in the abilities of Memo and this team,” said Team Owner David Traitel. “We know that we will face challenges ahead in this first race, but we hope to use this experience as a learning one for next year and excited to have Memo as our guy.”
TKO Motorsports will make their Pirelli World Challenge competition debut at Sonoma Raceway in 4 weeks, September 15 – 17, for the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.