| Memo's Bio |
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Page 2 of 2 In 2004, Memo raced in both the Speed World Challenge Series and the Champ Car World Series. Memo became the first driver in recent history to drive in a Speed World Challenge race and Champ Car race in the same weekend. Also, in only two races with Rocketsports Racing and with no testing, Memo gave the Rocketsports #12 car team its season best starting spot when he amazed the team and regular drivers by qualifying fifth in Vancouver. Memo also became the first Speed World Challenge driver ever to drive a Ford Focus to the podium when he raced to a third place finish at the season ending event at Laguna Seca Raceway. In 2005, Memo was hired by Finlay Motorsports and signed to drive the Air Force Reserve Daytona Prototype in the Grand Am series. Memo helped this new team to earn 6th in the season ending points championship. This awesome season was highlighted with a victory in the season ending race in Mexico City. Because of his win, Memo became the first ever Mexican born driver to win a professional race in Mexico. In 2006, Memo was promptly signed to continue with Finlay Motorsports this time driving the Playboy/Uniden sponsored prototype. Despite a major set-back early in the season when a brake failure resulted in a compression fracture of the talented Californian’s back, Memo responded like a true champion. Because of his work ethic, Memo amazed his doctors by being cleared to be back in the car in seven weeks, and then impressed his team by helping the Playboy/Uniden Team to finish 4th in year end team point standings. This was highlighted by an awesome 2nd place finish in the season ending 9 hour race at the Utah Motorsports Park. Memo then proceeded to cap of a great season by racing in the Petit Lemans race in Atlanta, Georgia for Highcroft Racing. Memo drove for nearly four hours setting some of the fastest laps in the process and helped the team to finish in third place in the grueling 10 hour race. This was the best result ever for the Highcroft Racing Team. In 2007, Memo drove the #77 Doran Racing/Kodak Daytona Prototype and the SunTrust Racing Daytona Prototype in the Grand-Am Series. Memo’s season was highlighted by two podium finishes in the Grand-Am Series. Memo also drove for Team Cytosport at the 10 hour Petit LeMans Series race where he helped the team to finish in 3rd place in the P1 prototype class. Memo’s road to the top has garnered more print and television media coverage than most drivers in the sport due to his results, diverse background and because he is a supreme athlete and spokesperson. In a day and age of selfish and arrogant celebrity sportsmen, Memo is a breath of fresh air. He spends his non-racing days working out; riding his mountain bike and helping kids learn to drive Go Karts. "I couldn't believe it, there was Memo Gidley at our local kart track giving half a dozen young karters his time and support, when most of his contemporaries were home by the pool. I wish other star athletes would take a page from his book... not a camera or PR person in sight, and these kids have 100% of his time and focus, when I'm sure he came to go karting himself. His seven year old pick up, shifter kart and two man tent, fifty feet away and this guy was giving these young drivers an experience they would tell their grandchildren about. He made seven fans for life that day," stated a father in a letter to the Indianapolis Star. Memo has built his following the old-fashioned way - one race and one fan at a time. Robert Ulrich/CEO Target Stores: "Target has been involved with major Motorsports sponsorship for over twelve years. Memo Gidley is one of the most talented drivers and personalities we have ever worked with. He was never too busy for his fans, our employees and our management. He is an above and beyond the call of duty guy and never refused to step up whenever we needed him. Drivers who are this good on the track, at promotions & events and in the boardroom are of a very rare breed. A Memo Gidley is even rarer... he enjoys the process and it always shows. Memo is special and I am proud to have worked with him. He made every one of us look good. I wish we could continue to work with him. This kid deserves the very best." |
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