Gidley makes first start in three years - and podiums

Memo Gidley's recovery from his massive accident at the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona took a massive stride forward last weekend when he participated in his first race in three years – and finished on the podium.

Gidley was racing an EV class RattleSnake Electric Sport kart in the Sanzura Karting Championship round at Sonoma.

"My first go-kart race back I can describe in one word: fantastic," he said. I have been working back towards getting back into a race for over three years, and with the help and support of so many people, it has now happened.

"The EV karts are 50hp electric motors and 125cc shifter kart fast, but the interesting part is that, just like in the International Formula E Series, you have to deal with battery management - conserving," said Gidley. "Even though I qualified second, my right foot is a little too heavy right now! Blame it on me wanting to drive for three years..."

Gidley suffered a shopping list of injuries when he moved his GAINSCO Corvette out to pass a slower car and ran into the back of the unsighted GTLM Ferrari of Matteo Malucelli, who was pulling to the side of the track with a mechanical problem. Gidley has since undergone at least eight surgeries, but remains optimistic of getting back into a race car. In the meantime, he has been keeping sharp in a shifter kart.

"I am out driving my shifter and everything feels great," said Gidley. "During my recovery for the last three years, I have always listened to my body and right now my body says "let's drive".

"I have reached out to a number of teams [about returning to cars] and I do think an opportunity is just around the corner. As a pro driver, looking for a ride was always the downside of things. However, after what I have been through, for me being able to look for a ride is a great feeling."