After losing the #99 “Red Dragon” Riley-Corvette and more important, the services of driver Memo Gidley after an horrific high-speed crash at the Rolex 24 in January, Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing is canceling its plans for the rest of the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship season.
“It is with great regret that we will have to suspend operations for the balance of the 2014 season,” said team owner Bob Stallings on the team’s website.
“Since Daytona, priority one for us has been on Memo’s recovery. Everyone on the team has been focused on his care and comfort, and it has meant the world to see such support from the fans and the racing community at large. Even though Memo has a long road ahead, the worst is behind him, and it has allowed us to step back and take a look at the program at large.
“With both the personal and economic strain this has put on us, we feel it’s in the best interest of everyone to sit out this year, with a firm focus on a return in 2015.”
Stallings’ and the team’s primary focus is on supporting driver Memo Gidley who was at the wheel when the #99 hit a slower car at about 135 mph during the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Gidley is currently recuperating in the Santa Rosa Memorial Acute Rehab Center in Santa Rosa, Calif. After spending two weeks at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Fla. Where he underwent multiple surgeries to repair his left arm, left leg, and back.
The wreckage reveals the forces reacted upon Gidley and his car when he hit the slowing Ferrari of Matteo Malucelli at 135 mph. (Chris Jasurek/Epoch Times)
“The progress he’s made has been startling to me, as he’s come a long way since Daytona,” Stallings said. “He’s extremely positive in his attitude towards his future, and I know that he’s ready for the road ahead.”
Fans wanting to send cards can use the following address: Nurses Station, as patient under confidential status; Acute Rehab Center, East Wing, Rm 1082; Santa Rosa Memorial; 1165 Montgomery Dr; Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Letters addressed directly to Mr. Gidley will be returned to sender.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Gidley requests donations be made to Camp Boggy Creek, a proud charity partner of IMSA. Donations can be made online at www.campboggycreek.org, and the gift designated in honor of Memo Gidley.
While supporting Gidley through his recovery, Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing will be building a stronger base for 2015.
The #99 Riley-Corvette Daytona Prototype was severely damaged in the accident. The team has not yet said whether it will try to repair or replace the car, or possibly by a different type of chassis.
The #99 Gainsco “Red Dragon” Riley Corvette led most of the race until the accident wiped it out. (Chris Jasurek/Epoch Times
The transition from the Rolex Sports Car Series to the new Tudor United Sportscar Championship has been expensive for all teams, as they have had to prepare to run many more miles with the expanded endurance racing schedule.
Daytona Prototype owners face even greater costs as they had to extensively modify their cars to compete with the American Le Mans Series P2 prototypes which together with DPs form TUSC’s top class.
Taking a year off gives the team time to evaluate which options will best position the two-time Rolex champions for continued success in the future.
Bob Stallings and ther whole team extend thanks for the support its fans have offered and urges people to follow the Gidley’s and the team’s progress at www.GAINSCOracing.com.
