September 13th, 2009 (Pittsburg, CA) – Many pro drivers over the
years attempt the Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600 on the same weekend, but
probably no one has done what Rolex Grand-Am series star and Muscle
Milk extreme athlete, Memo Gidley, did this past weekend. Memo
attempted and pulled off doing round #7 of the Pro-kart Challenge
Shifter Kart Race on Saturday, and then on Sunday race #10 of the DJSA
Outlaw Jet Ski Race Series held at the Pittsburg Seafood Festival.
September 13th, 2009 (Pittsburg, CA) – Many pro drivers over the years attempt the Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600 on the same weekend, but probably no one has done what Rolex Grand-Am series star and Muscle Milk extreme athlete, Memo Gidley, did this past weekend. Memo attempted and pulled off doing round #7 of the Pro-kart Challenge Shifter Kart Race on Saturday, and then on Sunday race #10 of the DJSA Outlaw Jet Ski Race Series held at the Pittsburg Seafood Festival.
"For two weeks leading up to these races I was doing three things: sleeping, driving my shifter kart, and riding my ski," said Gidley. "There were a number of times where I was at the kart track for most of the day, only to come home unload my kart, load up my jet ski, and hit the buoys for a couple of hours!"
Memo’s performances in both events were impressive. On Saturday, Memo took his Trackmagic Kart from sixth on the grid to work his way up to third in the 20-lap final. Gidley battled back after a spin in the dirt while avoiding two karts that crashed in front of him on lap one of heat one.
This final Pro-Kart Challenge race is the last kart race before the ever-important SuperNationals Race in November. "Last year I went from 29th to 9th in the Supernationals S3 class after being plagued with mechanical problems in the earlier heats which had me start so far back." said Gidley. "Last year it was really a last minute decision to run. This year I am well ahead of my two month window to prepare, and even though the competition is good, I plan to be in the fight for the win on my Trackmagic Kart."
On Sunday at the Pittsburg Seafood Festival DJSA Outlaw Jet Ski race, Memo came in with the points lead after a string of strong performances in the last two rounds. Memo blasted into the lead in moto #1, only to get lost on the course and miss a number of buoys. "That first lap started great with a hole shot from 6th on the grid, but then I new something was wrong when I looked back and was half a lap ahead of second place!" said Gidley. "I have been riding pretty good… just not half a lap good!"
In moto #2, Memo once again ripped out from the start and pulled out a good lead to take the win. However, after being assessed penalties for the missed buoys in race #1, Memo was awarded third overall for the day. Memo still extended his points lead over second place and now has a commanding lead with two races to go. "I’m stoked to be leading the championship." said Gidley. "I’ve been practicing hard, riding with some fast guys, and it always feels good to see hard work pay off.
"Both races were outstanding," continued Gidley. "The competition from kart racing is really second to none. Karting is a big exercise in details and set-up with the kart… it is a challenge to get every little detail right to win. The Jet Skis are completely different; to be faster it is all about rider skill. The person who is able to hold the gas on longer and not fall off is the winner."
Memo Gidley also currently drives for the #77 McDonald’s Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand-Am Series for Doran Racing.
"I’m really happy with all my racing," said Gidley. "I’m really looking forward to the final Rolex Series race with the McDonald’s team at Homestead, the shifter kart SuperNationals race in November, the final two Jet Ski races, and some big things for next year. I’m fortunate to be able to be around great friends and do what I love… race."
Kart photo: Ed Lacayo