Rolex 24 At Daytona Crash: Memo Gidley To Undergo Surgery For Back Fracture

A serious crash at the Rolex 24 at Daytona has sent two racers to hospital, one of which requires surgery for a back fracture. Matteo Malucelli and Memo Gidley were the men involved in the crash.

Malucelli is said to be “resting comfortably” at Halifax where he is recovering. Gidley’s injuries are more serious though as it is hoped he will make a full recovery. He already underwent surgery on his left and leg over the weekend and is said to be doing well under the circumstances.

Team owner, Bob Stallings, said yesterday that the team is obviously devastated about the Rolex 24 at Daytona crash: “As you can imagine, we are devastated about what happened on track, but are hopeful that our friend and teammate Memo will make a full recovery. Memo is receiving excellent care from the staff and doctors at Halifax Health,” he said.

Memo Gidley was driving the pole-winning car which hit an infield kink and was facing directly into the sun when the crash happened. When he pulled left he didn’t spot Malucelli and careered straight into his Ferrari at almost full speed.

Teammate Alex Gurney said about the crash: “That was one scary crash that could have had a much worse outcome. We were able to see him and speak with him this morning. He is one tough guy, and he’s going to pull through this. I told him to take the rest of the day off.”

Darren Law went to visit Gidley in hospital and said to reporters: “I am happy that my friend Memo will make a full recovery. It was a hard hit, and it is a testament to safety of the car, our team that built it, and the safety advances of the series that he was able to come of out of it like he did.”