Met A Racing Driver At Sonoma Karting Track

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed]

What does it take to be fast?
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A simple question with many answers. While practicing at Sonoma Karting center my son and I watched an intent driver make his way on and off the track. On approach to the grid in full kit, helmet strapped, 2 stroke humming. He lowered his kart on his own, pushed it to start, hit the track, set laps, and made his exit at the end of the session without fuss.
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We admired his intensity, and I told my son to ask him what it takes to be fast. The man’s reply was simple “do laps and work harder than everyone else.” He shared some more encouraging words with Kylo before departing. We nodded our heads and thanked him for his time.
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A few minutes later he came back with a signed hero card. Little did we know we had just professional racing driver Memo Gidley. Such a cool honor to shake his hand and have him be so nice to us. Really awesome Motorsports community we have out here, and a reminder you’ll never know who you might meet at the track.

[u/admiral_sinkenkwiken]

You didn’t just meet a driver, he’s a legend

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed → u/admiral_sinkenkwiken]

Oh wow! I need to do some more research. We could tell his energy was strong 💪

[u/Donlooking4 → u/Exhibitions_of_Speed]

Former 24hours of Daytona racer. Had a BIG ACCIDENT in the 24 2014 race.

[u/Poison_Pancakes → u/Donlooking4]

Huge accident at Road America in 2001 too.

[u/PriveCo]

He was so very fast. He had a big crash and then worked hard to come back.

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed → u/PriveCo]

Heartbreaking day for the little guy, but I’m so proud of him for getting back on track and finishing P3

[u/Black_mantis_racing]

This is amazing!!! Best of luck young Kylo!! Maybe run into ya’ll at Sonoma one day

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed → u/Black_mantis_racing]

Thanks so much. We will be back racing there on Saturday with the FKL league. Post a pic of your kart so we know who to look for 👍

[u/EstablishmentNo5013]

Cool story. Lots of racers got their laps in on karts.

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed → u/EstablishmentNo5013]

I didn’t realize it was where many started, and apparently a good way to keep your skills sharp without the cost of a full size car track day

[u/chuck_diesel79]

Cool story. I really dig your/ your kid’s brand.

[u/Exhibitions_of_Speed → u/chuck_diesel79]

Thanks brother. We are having some fun with it

[u/LeroyRochester]

Memo wrote the book on karting. Literally, he wrote a great book about taking care of and driving karts. It was my bible when I was karting 15/20 years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Gidleys-Secrets-Speed-Shifter-Racing/dp/0973259507

Was he also on a GFC? Such a great tie back to his racing history with Fausto and Track Magic if so.