Back at Daytona, Gidley cleared to drive

Three years after leaving Daytona International Speedway in an ambulance following a horrendous crash in the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Memo Gidley made a popular return to meet the media between Thursday morning practice sessions.

"It's been two years of hell, and then the last year was significantly better," said Gidley, who was driving the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Corvette DP in the 2014 event. "It's been a long process, and I appreciate the support. It was an outrageous accident, and it was great to see the medical responders destroy the car to get me out as safely as possible. I really appreciate everything the responders did and what everyone at Halifax Hospital did for me. It was amazing. I know I was banged up big time, and to be back to be where I am is a tribute to what they did."

Gidley also singled out IMSA chairman Jim France, who visited him in the hospital and provided support to Gidley and his family and team – followed up by phone calls and texts to check on his progress.

"I always believe it starts at the top and works its way down, and that's why IMSA is such a great series – and it starts with Jim."

Gidley's Corvette DP slammed into Matteo Malucelli's Risi Ferrari as the GT car slowed on the kink in the infield section with a loss of drive. The race had to be red-flagged while the drivers were extracted from their cars. Gidley has undergone countless surgies and tried dozens of treatments to reduce scar tissue and pain.

Gidley said his last surgery – a spinal fusion – was completed more than a year ago. He saw the doctor one month ago, and was cleared to go back to doing whatever he was used to doing.

"I wasn't expecting that, so when I asked if it was OK to fall off a jet ski at 40mph, he said yes," Gidley said. "I went through the list of everything I did – including driving – and he said it was OK. I'm physically strong and ready to go back out there, and I'm in the process of renewing my FIA license. I've been riding my go-kart, which I can drive without a license. I'm ready to get back."

The Californian admits it was a tough experience.

"The accident was a gnarly experience, and then the recovery was another huge thing," he admitted. "Broken bones are easy; anybody who's been in nerve pain knows it puts you in a mood you're not used to be in. Many times it was terrible."

Now, Gidley is coaching and managing a go-kart team, and is eager to get his name out.

"It's exciting to be back at the track," he said. "Now that I can drive, I want to let people know I'm strong and ready to go. It's racing – you can never count on a ride. You just have to be ready for something. It's great to be back, and I'm excited to close this chapter in my life. I'm ready to be like the normal Memo was, three years ago."