The Grid.co.uk    the national & club motor racing website - est1998          

  ^News

mail your news to editorthegrid@yahoo.co.uk

Gidley and Trackmagic Team Finish 28th Out of 60 in Brazil 

It was a day and night of adventures for the Trackmagic team of Memo Gidley, Oswaldo Negri, and Ricky and Jordan Taylor at the 12th running of the Granja Vianna 500 go-kart race held in Saul Paulo Brazil.  This world famous race attracted once again a stellar field of drivers from all over the world and from all disciplines of racing.  Car drivers, Felippe Massa, Rubins Barichello, Tony Kanaan, Chrsitian Fittipaldi, Bruno Junquiero, Vitor Miera and Marco Andretti were just a few of the hundreds of drivers present. 

The Trackmagic team’s first problem happened on the first lap when the motor failed after Oswado Negri took the green flag.  “I could not believe that we had a motor problem and did not even make one lap!” said Gidley.  “But on a 12 hour kart race, I knew that we still had a chance if everything went well from here on out”.  Shortly after that there was a stuck throttle during the driving stint of Jordan Taylor.  Jordan soldiered on with the throttle of the kart jammed wide open and using the brakes to slow the kart down for the corners.  “Jordan was doing great with the stuck throttle but it came to a point where the brakes were taking a real punishing,” said Gidley.  “We could smell those brakes burning up from the front straightaway and he had to be brought in to fix the problem.” 

At that point the team had dropped back to 58th.  “Even though we had these problems, we were still having fun on the track,” said Gidley.  “The racing was so intense and with that many karts on this small track, there was never a dull moment.”   After those first two mechanicals, the Trackmagic team was starting to work its way back to the front.  The team Trackmagic drivers were all running fast and trouble free and turning times easily able to run inside the top ten.  “As the race went on, we went from the third timing sheet, to the second, and then on the front page of the scoring monitors,” said Gidley. “Me, Rick, Jordan and Ozz were all starting to get really excited.”  Gidley then got in the kart for the second time and was continuing the charge to the front.  “You get a sense of how fast you are depending on how many cars are either passing you, or how many cars you are passing,”  said Gidley.  “It did not matter which of us was in the kart, it was rare that a car would pass us…we were for sure doing a lot of passing which made me even more excited to see what the race outcome would be for us.”   

Unfortunately, about two hours from the end, another mechanical in the way of a broken rear hub sent Memo into the barriers.  “I was flat out turning into one of the fastest corners when the hub failed and sent me spinning into the barriers,” said Gidley.  “I was disappointed because it took fifteen minutes for the team’s mechanics to get out on the track to get to me and I knew that would be the end of any chance for a good result.”  After fixing the kart, the Trackmagic team soldiered on and still managed to finish in 28th.  In long distance racing, to win you really need a trouble free race,” said Gidley.  “Even though we had some problems, it was a great effort and I appreciate Trackmagic for sending me down to this event.”  

Barring the mechanical problems of the race, Gidley still enjoyed the experience.  “This race that Tony Kanaan, Rubins Barichello, and Felipe Giaffone put on is really something special and I enjoyed being part of it,” said Gidley.  “The energy of all the Brazilian mechanics and the atmosphere of the race are like something I have never experienced.  And my teammates, Oswaldo, Rick and Jordan were just plain and simple awesome and a ton of fun to be around.”   

Gidley had been to Rio de Janeiro when he raced a Players Champ Car there in 2000 but that was his only previous visit to Brazil. “Rio was nice but I enjoyed even more my time in Sao Paulo” said Gidley.  “Oz, a local of Sao Paulo, showed us all a really good time.  We enjoyed great dinners and nights out and had a lot of fun.  I look forward to doing many more years of this race with my only change being I would come down earlier to get a chance to enjoy the fantastic Brazilian culture and energy even more.”

Gidley Impressive in SuperNationals XIII 

Factory Trackmagic Kart driver Memo Gidley, went to what is considered the biggest karting race in the world, with winning on his mind.  “The SuperNationals is such an awesome display of karting competition and attracts the best drivers from around the world,” said Gidley.  “I love the challenge of racing there but know that to have a shot of winning you really have to be at the top of your game.”  This year’s race not only the top kart racers from around the world, but also car stars like Michael Schumacher, Buddy Rice, Dan Weldon to name a few. 

At the top of his game he was consistently in the top five for all eight sessions during the two days of practice.  “The track was really slippery at first and for the first day we concentrated on not chasing the track and just working on jetting and gearing,” said Gidley.  “Everything really felt like it was going accordingly to plan and I was excited to get to qualifying.”  Then in Friday’s 12 min qualifying session, Gidley impressively put his Trackmagic kart third out of the massive 70 kart S3 field.  “Qualifying is the ultimate measurement of outright speed and it was great to know that we were right in the hunt,” said Gidley.   

Because of the huge field, the next two days were spent running heat races to narrow the number of drivers to forty to start the main event. Gidley had three great heat races finishing second twice and winning his final heat to put him fourth for Super Sundays Main event.  “Because I was able to qualify my Trackmagic so well, for me the heat races were really just an opportunity to mess up an otherwise great starting position,” said Gidley. “The key for us was to learn about how the track was changing to fine tune our set-up…and not to be involved in a crash.”   

For Super Sunday’s main event, Gidley would start fourth, outside second row.  Gidley time the start lights perfect to immediate jump into third going into turn one.  Five laps later Gidley made his move on second place just after the high speed kink.  Now locked onto the leader’s bumper, Gidley was waiting for an opportunity to take the lead.  “The opening laps were great,” said Gidley.  “The kart was working nicely and I was just working on not sliding my tires too much, but I did want to get myself in the front to see if I could possibly break away.”  After following the leader for a couple of laps, Gidley made his move.  Gidley only held the lead a couple of corners and was re-passed.  The two leaders had the crowd going crazy as they went back and forth a number of times each taking a turn to lead.  “As fun as battling for the top spot was, my kart felt like it was using the tires a little too much going back and forth,” said Gidley.  “I started slipping back and now found myself holding off second place.” 

Just past halfway he made a move although Gidley had a little room to the inside, he was squeezed into the outside barriers, which caused the rest of the field to fan out three and four wide heading onto the middle straight.  “The next thing I knew I was tagged from the rear, spun around, and staring at the rest of the S3 field as they all tried to avoid hitting me,” said Gidley.  “It was too bad because we were running so strong and had a great shot at the podium.”  Although Gidley was officially classified in 27th, he was still happy for the great Trackmagic showing.  “I want to thank Mike Pickman, the owner of Trackmagic for giving me all the tools to be competitive and a great chassis,” said Gidley.  “We have all worked very hard over the last few months in preparation for this race.  Also thank you to my two mechanics, Taylor Joy and prototype owner Kevin Doran, for giving me a perfect no mechanical weekend with my kart.  And of course, all my sponsors for giving me the opportunity to compete and do what I love.”      

Gidley now leaves for Brazil to represent Trackmagic in the Granja Viana 500, a massive 12hour go-kart race that attracts drivers from all over the world.  Upon returning in a week Memo is then off to a two day test at Daytona driving Doran Racings #77 Daytona Prototype in preparation for next year’s 24 Hours of Daytona. 

TOP GRAND-AM RACER MEMO GIDLEY TAKES HIS WINNING WAYS

TO THE WATER WITH HIS FIRST OUTLAW JET SKI CHAMPIONSHIP  

It's not unusual this time of year that racing driver Memo Gidley is crowned a champion in one or another of the many forms of competition in which he participates… but this is something out of the ordinary, even for someone whose resume runs the gamut from karts to open wheel cars to his familiar #77 Doran Racing Grand-Am prototype.

Gidley, who calls Novato, California home,  won 5 times this year in route to earning the season championship in the Super 800 class in the DJSA Outlaw Jet Ski Series. 

“I was born on the water, raised on the water, and it feels really cool to now win a championship on the water!” said Gidley, Win he did as the Muscle Milk extreme athlete.  An avid stand up jet skier for a number of years for training purposes, this was Gidley’s first year racing a full season in jet skis and going for a championship.  “I set my goal at the beginning of the year to try to hit as many races as possible, and even more important, to raise my personal level and push myself in all aspects to be better and stronger on my ski and go for the championship,” said Gidley. “It feels great to know that all those days of running race buoys in the bay with my friends, the countless numbers of squats and lunges, and all the work that comes with winning a championship paid off.”

“Even though people have come to know me as a racer of anything, they were always still shocked whenever they first heard I was racing stand up jet skis.” said Gidley.  “But the neat thing about it was as soon as they figured out that I was not joking them, they were completely stoked on it and wanted to know when and where they could go to watch!”

The DJSA Outlaw Series is a 12 race series that runs throughout Northern California.  “I definitely want to thank Jim Lambert and his crew of the DJSA Series for giving us an awesome place to race!” said Gidley.  “Racing in the DJSA has been such a great experience, great tracks, awesome competitors, and just a ton of fun.  The only negative for me on a DJSA weekend is I’m so excited that I can’t sleep the night before a race!”

I also want to thank all my sponsors that support me in my racing and the exciting life I live.” said Gidley. “Not only do feel lucky, but it is so much fun to have my friends and sponsors along with me on this awesome ride!” 

What is next for Memo Gidley?  “I have one more race this year, the shifter kart Super Nationals in Las Vegas,” said Gidley. “I am in full go-kart mode and gearing up for this race with my long time go-kart sponsor, Trackmagic Karts.  This is the biggest kart race in the US and the competition is fierce.  I am very excited and confident.”

As far as Memo’s car racing plans for next year, things look good. “This time of year it is real easy to get stressed out as a driver wondering about a car ride for the next season,” said Gidley. “I will do what I always do which is to keep my mind and body in racing shape and not worry too much about other stuff…it will sort itself out like it always does.  But even though nothing is for sure, things look very positive and I am really excited for next year!”  

Gidley Does The Double! 

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 knew 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 accessed 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,” said 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 Ski’s 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 McDonalds Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand-Am Series for Doran Racing.     

Gidley Wins, Takes Over Points Lead! 

Rolex Grand-Am series star and Muscle Milk extreme athlete, Memo Gidley, headed into this past weekend two day Jet Effect race with three wins so far this year and standing in second place in the championship points tally.  However, after an overall win and nearly dominating performance this past weekend in round # 8 of the 2009 DJSA Outlaw PWC Series Race, Memo now finds himself sitting with a sixty point lead with three rounds left to run.

“It was a huge weekend for me and the championship points standings,” said Gidley. “I have had a great season so far, but have also missed a couple of races because of my conflicting schedule racing the #77 McDonalds Daytona Prototype.  I knew that getting a win this weekend, especially since this was a big Jet Effect weekend and paying double points, would really help me close that gap to first.”

This weekends Jet Effect weekend was a three race format for the day with points given for each finish and the best total giving the overall for the day.  Although it appears a dominating weekend, Gidley did have problems.

Memo did win the first two races, and was on his way to winning the third race when a huge high speed crash sent a safety boat to his aid.  “We just had the start and I was blasting down the straightaway for the first time when out of nowhere a wave launched me into the air,” said Gidley. “The launching wasn’t the problem, but the landing was!  Seeing the wave last minute I pinned the throttle and was thinking to myself, I got this…I got this and then bam…I slammed into the ski and then the water at about fifty MPH!”    

Gidley was so far away from his ski that the safety boat had to pick him up and take him back over to his drifting ride.  “I was so disappointed at that point but more concerned with getting back on my ski to try to salvage a good finish,” said Gidley.  “The good thing about the quick twenty second ride back over to my ski, I did have time to put back on my glove and boot that had been blown off on the crash!”

Gidley did stay on the lead lap and worked his way back up to sixth with enough points to take the overall.  “I was completely surprised and so happy that I won the overall,” said Gidley.  “I really do want to thank the great safety team that picked me out of the water, and my competitors that had the sense to not run over me while I was sitting there floating.  It was an awesome weekend and I can’t wait for the next race!”

Gidley Poles, Finishes Third at Pro-Kart North Race #3 

Factory Trackmagic Kart driver and Grand-Am Rolex Series star, Memo Gidley, once again grabbed the pole in qualifying for Race #3 of the Pro Kart Challenge Series race this past weekend at Infineon Raceway.  In an intense 7 minute qualifying session that saw the top 4 drivers go back and forth, Gidley edged out series point leader, Jacob Neal, by .013 of a second.  The top four drivers all set a time less than a tenth of a second off the pole.  “It felt great to grab the pole for myself and Trackmagic,” said Gidley.  “The times were so close, I was excited looking forward to the battle I imagined we were all going to have in the heats and main event.”  

And battle they did.  During the heat races, the lead was swapped numerous times as the top four drivers went back and forth.  When all the dust settled, Gidley would find himself lining up in third for the 20 lap main event.   

“I made a mistake on the start for my first heat race and lost two positions,” said Gidley.  “After that, we were all so close that I had a hard time recovering from that.  The weather was getting cooler so for the final, we decided to go for the win by making a change on the kart to try to get me some more speed.” 

At the drop of the 20 lap final, Gidley launched off the line and into second place.  A fierce battle ensued at the start of the race.  “I got a great start, gained a position, then lost a position a few laps later,” said Gidley.  I was content to stay in third, see what would unfold in front of me.  I was thinking that my kart would come in better towards the end of the race but that never worked out.  The kart tightened up too much and I was unfortunately not in a fighting position at the end”   

Gidley would end up bringing his Trackmagic Kart home in third, and give Trackmagic its second S3 podium of the year.  “It was a good weekend,” said Gidley.  “I would trade my two poles this year for two wins if I could…but that’s racing.  I live for the challenge of close, hard racing and we had that here!  I will be working as hard as possible to get that win at the next race.”   

Memo Gidley also currently drives for the #77 McDonalds Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand-Am Series for Doran Racing.  The next event is the Emco Gears Classic at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, June 19 - 20. The race is scheduled to take the green flag at 5:00 pm Saturday, June 20th. The race will be broadcast live June 20th at 5pm ET on SPEED TV. 

“A good go-kart race just gets me more fired up for my Rolex Series races!” said Gidley.  “The #77 McDonalds car has been fast this year and we are in a good position to get our first podium this weekend…I’m excited.”

Gidley Sets New Track Record At Pro-Kart North Race #2 

It may not have ended perfectly but it certainly did start that way as newly signed Factory Trackmagic Kart driver, and Grand Am Rolex series star, Memo Gidley, smashed the S3 Track Record at Infineon Raceway Pro-Kart North series race this past weekend being the first S3 driver ever in the 47 second bracket. 

In such a quick change of events,  it was announced last Tuesday that Memo Gidley, previous longtime TrackMagic driver, was back racing for the brand that all of his karting successes had come from, Trackmagic Karts.  “For sure, to be back with Trackmagic is very emotional for me,” said Gidley. “I would not have done it if I was not confident that new owner Mike Pickman, would be able to give me the tools to win races on the brand that means so much to me.” 

Gidley only first drove his new kart on Wednesday for a few laps before hitting the track on Friday for official practice day for Round #2 of the Pro-Kart Challenge North series race.  “It was a big challenge to try to get familiar with the set-up characteristics of a new kart in such a short amount of time,” said Gidley.  “But the kart was so fast right out of the box that I was very confident heading into the weekend.” 

On race day, Gidley looked to be the early favorite, setting the pace in practice with a best lap that was quicker than the previous weekend’s pole sitter’s qualifying time.  And then in qualifying, Gidley smashed the S3 track record with a time of 47.941 on lap two of the seven minute qualifying session to be the first S3 driver ever in the 47 second bracket.  “It was a good lap and I was so happy to be able to give this pole to Trackmagic,” said Gidley.  “It was a lot of work for everybody at Trackmagic to make this weekend happen and I was stoked for my mechanics, Taylor Joy, Ryan Perry and new Trackmagic owner Mike Pickman.” 

Because of qualifying, Gidley started first in heat race #1.  At the start he immediately jumped out front and looked to be pulling away for a nice victory.  Then the unfortunate mechanical failure when his shift arm broke and he was not able to finish the race.  Unfortunately he would now have to start at the back for heat #2.  Heat # 2 saw Gidley slice through the field to move up to finish 5th by the end of the ten lap race.   

Because of his efforts, Gidley would now start fifth for the final.  Gidley once again, leaped off the line and was inside third place as they rounded turn one.  However, Gidley was squeezed to the inside locking wheels with another kart on his way to turn two.  “I got a great launch at the start and when third place turned into me, locked wheels and lost us positions, I was not happy.”  Gidley, “Then because of this, I had to battle the drivers that just passed me for the next five laps.  By the time I had cleared them, the leaders had pulled away too far to catch.” 

Gidley was able to bring his Trackmagic home in fourth, a nice job after battling back with the earlier problem.  “It was not a perfect weekend but it was a very good weekend,” said Gidley.  “Even though a win would have been great, to grab the pole and new track record is a very positive sign of things to come for me and Trackmagic and I’m very excited for the future with them.  I also had a good time battling all the other S3 Shifter drivers in the race, I frankly can’t think of another place I would have rather been for the weekend.”

GIDLEY TESTS GRAND PRIX CAR – THOROUGHLY MODERN RACER

GETS A TASTE OF AUTO RACING'S STORIED PAST 

It may not have been a current Ferrari or McLaren F1 car, but Grand-Am Rolex Series star  Memo Gidley did recently get a rare opportunity to feel what it’s like to drive in a number of history making cars including a Maserati race winning Grand Prix Car around Infineon Raceway.  This particular 1956 Maserati 250 F Grand Prix car was driven by Stirling Moss and won the Australian Grand Prix in 1956.  “When I first climbed into the Maserati 250 F, it was like being able to climb into a history book for racing,” said Gidley. “Everything was so different from any open wheel Indy Car I have ever raced or my current #77 McDonalds Daytona Prototype Racecar.  For one, it had no seat belts!  And also, in this car, they had the brake pedal on the right and the throttle pedal in the middle.  But one thing it did have was power, easily enough to excessively light up the tires on any corner!”

Memo also drove a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO considered an almost priceless car by monetary standards.  “This car was easily the one that I was most surprised on the track,” said Gidley.  “I could not believe how light and nimble it felt.  Honestly, if I wouldn’t have been able to see the beautiful vintage Ferrari red hood as I was sliding the car around the track, I would have guessed the car was race bred car from the 80’s at least, it worked that well.  I now know why this car had so much success at LeMans!”

Memo then drove a 1957 Maserati 250 Si.  Designed for European Sports Car racing, this car was built when the focus really went to building purpose built and light race cars as is reflected by its birdcage style frame and use of magnesium throughout.  “What a beautiful car to drive,” said Gidley.  “Even on the longest straight at Infineon Raceway, this car was just getting going.  It brought a smile to my face as I imagined it flying down some of the European race tracks it ran on in its day.”

The last car Memo drove was a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato that was leading LeMans during the final hours before a starter failure ended its race.  “This is a really nice looking car and really well balanced on the racetrack,” said Gidley.  “But with its weight and skinny tires, it slides a lot and I have even more respect for the drivers driving this at LeMans in 1961.”

Although at first had a slight face of concern first climbing into these cars, by the end of the first run he had a smile from ear to ear.  “When I watch old racing footage I notice these beautiful four wheel drifts from these cars back in their day,” said Gidley.  “And then when I drove them, I got to experience that.  In modern race cars, by design it is usually one end or the other that slides so having these big four wheel drifts was really fun and I hope to do it again soon!”

Most of the cars are owned and raced by Tom Price and maintained by Shawn Thomas Automotive, one of Gidley’s karting sponsors.  “The cars ran perfect, Shawn does a real nice job keeping these cars running great,” said Gidley.  “And it is cool to see the kind of passion that Tom Price has for these cars and the passion he has to race them on a regular basis.  We were on the track together a few times and he certainly was not afraid to mix it up with me and hustle the cars around himself.”

Gidley Podiums Superkarts North Round One 

Grand-Am Rolex series star, Memo Gidley, like he is known to do, turned an off weekend into a race weekend by competing in Round One of the Superkarts North series race this past weekend at Infineon Raceway.  Competing in the S3 Shifter Kart division, Memo started off morning practice being quickest and then went on to put his STA, Mike Derosiers Motorsports GP Kart second on the grid and on the front row to start the first of two 10 lap heat races that would lead up to the 20 lap main event.   “I was feeling really good about the changes we had made on my GP kart the day before in practice while the track was getting tacky,”said Gidley.  “However, practice you never really know the ultimate speed of your competition…qualifying is a true gauge and I was very pleased to be starting on the front row in second place.” 

As the start lights went out in heat one, Gidley rocketed off the line and pulled outside pole sitter Steve Reasoner going into turn one.  Gidley went to the ouside, only to square off and put his kart to the inside accelerated towards turn two.  Gidley held his line and now was the new leader exiting turn two.  Although under extreme pressure, Gidley held tough and brought his #97 GP kart home first with Jacob Neal moving up to second at the finish. 

Because of his win in heat one, Gidley started on pole in heat two.  After a great start, Gidley went on uncontested crossing the finish line first after building up a gap to second place Jacob Neal and looked to be getting an advantage over the S3 field.  “I was fast in the heat races and told my tuner that I did not want to make any changes…I thought we had a package to win,” said Gidley.  

Gidley started on pole for the 20 lap final and when the start lights went out got another perfect standing start into turn one.  However, it soon became apparent that this final race would be more difficult than the earlier heat races.  “I knew I was in trouble when second place, Tommy Thompson, effortlessly passed me after only three laps and started pulling away,” said Gidley.  “I tried to focus on getting the position back but just seemed to be fighting the kart.”  Gidley would also loose another position to Jacob Neal and found himself doing everything he could to keep the rest of the 20 Kart field from closing the gap. 

As the laps wound down Gidley held strong and brought it home in a strong third position.  Although disappointed, Gidley was nevertheless happy with his performance.  “Of course winning is the priority and I was less happy in third!,” said Gidley.  “Hey, these guys are full time kart racers, they are very good.  I like being challenged by guys that want to win as bad as me, that’s why I do kart races like this…along with racing cars.” 

Memo Gidley Inspires Future Stars

Memo Gidley, took some time out of a busy week of getting ready for Round One of the SuperKarts USA Kart series race this weekend at Infineon Raceway.  Memo spoke as part of career week at his local Lynwood Elementary School “No Excuses Career Day”.  Speaking to 3rd, 4th and 5 graders, Memo spent time talking about his profession as a race car driver, his struggles, his successes, and to give advice to kids who are striving to be their best in whatever career they may choose.  “I was raised to chase my dreams, to love what I did, and to work hard to be successful,” said Gidley.  “I believe that if you do this, you will be successful and happy.”  There is really not a better spokesman to talk about reaching your dreams than Memo Gidley.  Having come from very humble beginnings raised on a boat on the San Francisco Bay, then going to his first car race as a spectator at 20 years old, to driving Indy Cars seven years after that, Memo overcame unbelievable odds to reach his goals and continues to chase dreams and goals in a career that he loves.  “There are many benefits of being a race car driver that I never counted on when I started,” said Gidley.  “One of the most satisfying perks is getting opportunities to be invited to things like this.  When I was a kid, I was doing kids stuff like riding my bike, playing with frogs, having mud fights with my friends.  Even though I was just a kid, I was still fortunate to be surrounded by my parents and other role models that had a pronounced affect on shaping who I was and what I was able to become.  I am fortunate and privileged to be a race car driver and to be in a position to inspire kids in my neighborhood to go after their dreams and be their best.”