Memo Gidley PRI notes

Memo Gidley Hits the PRI Show

Orlando, FL -- Race car star Memo Gidley does what he does best by making a huge impact at the PRI show this past weekend in Orlando, Florida.

Memo's first order of business was the STARS sanctioned All Star Classic Go-Kart Race. Memo was driving for longtime Kart sponsor, Trackmagic Karts of Oakland, CA. The Trackmagic Team made the trek from the West coast all the way to Florida to participate in the race and to have a booth on the PRI show floor. The race day began when Memo went out to practice Thursday afternoon before the race. In the first round of practice and in only his 5th lap, Memo served notice to the competition by jumping to the top spot on the time sheets, quickest out of all the celebrity car and top kart drivers present.

However, it was no real surprise as Gidley, before his rise to the top in cars, was considered one of the best 125cc Shifter Kart drivers in the US. His list of championships includes winning the highly sought after US Shifter Kart SuperNationals for American kart manufacturer Trackmagic. Memo also currently does testing and development for Trackmagic Karts on a regular basis. "When I go racing, I go to win," said Gidley. "The key to winning is being prepared. I have been fine tuning the 07" Trackmagic FTR model weeks before we ever even came to Florida and I knew we would be fast."

Unfortunately, Gidley never got to show his speed in qualifying as the officials decided to cancel qualifying due to rain. "The weather caused a bunch of confusion with the officials and a few of the drivers," said Gidley. "I was disappointed because I was here to race rain or shine and I wanted to show what myself and Trackmagic could do." And then at the start of the race, Gidley was moving into second place in the first corner when he was pushed over the top of the pole sitter, Bobby Wilson by someone behind. Memo and Wilson were left stuck together and unable to get going before loosing a lap. Gidley finally got back going and began the chase only to have his motor seize up a few laps later.

"The race day started great but unfortunately didn't end how I had imagined," said Gidley. "But, my Trackmagic was working awesome, and I'm sure the race will only grow for next year which makes me look forward to coming back."

The next day, Memo was seen at the Motor Books International booth checking out and supporting his newest book called "Karting, Everything You Need To Know". This latest book written by Memo and co-author Jeff Griest is published by Motor Books International and sold on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. "If you would have asked me 5 years ago about what my future plans might involve, writing books was definitely not one of them!" said Gidley. "But thanks to the persuasion of my book partner, Jeff Griest, and the sometimes, not so great, free time in racing, I have now written four books on karting and I have really enjoyed the experience."

Memo was also seen supporting and hanging out with many of his friends and sponsors at the show including being at the booth of longtime sponsor, Trackmagic Karts. "It was awesome to get a chance to see my friends and sponsors in the racing industry," said Gidley. "I really had fun especially being at the race with my longtime sponsor Trackmagic, and new owner Andrew Alfonso and his crew. It was my first time to the PRI show in Florida and not only was the size of it with the number of displays impressive, I had a really good time and that's important for the success of anything I do."

-credit: memogidley.com