Memo Gidley delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in GT America powered by AWS history in 2026, capturing the SRO3 class championship with SKI Autosports after a season where he consistently stood out as the one to beat round after round. Behind the wheel of the No. 56 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, affectionately known as “Rowdy,” Gidley collected 10 victories, matching George Kurtz’s series record for the most wins in a single season.
The championship was the culmination of a campaign where Gidley was seemingly in a league of his own. He won doubleheader races at four different events, equalling the series record for the most weekend sweeps in one season. Along the way, he surpassed his previous personal best of eight victories in a single campaign, establishing a new benchmark for himself in GT America competition.
As they secured the title before the season’s final event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gidley and SKI Autosports have already turned their attention to the future, confirming plans to return for another GT America campaign in 2027, alongside select appearances in GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.
The foundation of Gidley’s championship success was a partnership built on shared values, mutual respect and a common determination to extract the maximum from every race weekend.
“It's a fantastic relationship because we have similar priorities, work ethics, respect and beliefs in each other and what we stand for on and off the track,” Memo Gidley said. “We are also people that really like to be around each other! Because of this, SKI has brought out the best in me, and hopefully me in them as well. We all want to be at the racetrack to push ourselves and live on the edge to see what we can accomplish. For me, the level of satisfaction and happiness with SKI is at the top and this is why the success has followed.”
The team’s first major statement came at Sonoma Raceway, where Gidley swept both races to launch his championship charge and mark himself as the title favorite. The combination carried that momentum to Circuit of The Americas, where another double victory reinforced his position as the driver to catch at the top of the standings.
He won again at Sebring International Raceway, although he had to settle for a podium finish instead of a victory in one of the rounds, but the winning pattern continued at Road Atlanta and Road America, with Gidley completing two more weekend sweeps.
The chemistry between him and the team was evident throughout the season. No matter the setting, they maintained the same focus, turning every opportunity into an advantage, thus putting together an impeccable championship-winning run.
Gidley’s season was so productive that the championship was effectively decided before the final round. His commanding points advantage gave him room to absorb an unexpected setback at Barber Motorsports Park, the penultimate event of the season.
The trouble came before the first race had even begun. An issue on the formation lap in Race 1 prevented Gidley from making the start, interrupting a campaign that had otherwise been remarkably consistent. Yet the points cushion built through his earlier victories meant the setback could not prevent him from securing the SRO3 title.
It was an unconventional way to clinch a championship, but also a fitting reflection of the work completed over all the preceding rounds. Gidley had accumulated enough victories and strong results to put the title beyond reach, even without adding to his tally on the Saturday.
The following day, he provided another reminder of his determination. Starting from the back of the field, Gidley charged through the pack to win Race 2, turning the disappointment of the previous day into another highlight.
Despite holding such a substantial championship lead, Gidley said he never allowed himself to ease off in his preparation, as the possibility of clinching early did little to quiet his competitive instincts.
“It felt fantastic,” he exclaimed. “But even with such a big points lead, I never stopped pushing myself in preparation for each and every weekend. I was still anxious to clinch and was still losing sleep at night thinking about what else I could do to be ready. All my friends and my family saw this firsthand. My 5-year-old daughter, Em, and all my other family and friends, saw me in the gym, riding my bike, and of course pounding laps in my shifter kart to be strong. The satisfaction from all my supporters was felt and I am so proud and happy to see everyone enjoy this feeling to win the title. My life successes are because of the team of people around me.”
Although the 2026 title was secured ahead of the finale, Gidley’s competitive drive remains firmly intact. His plans for 2027 will see him return to GT America with SKI Autosports, while also making select appearances in GT World Challenge America.
The prospect of competing across both championships presents a new challenge, but Gidley will bring forward the same level of maximum effort and thorough preparation that saw him make trips to victory lane on so many occasions.
“I am excited for whatever we go after,” he shared. “I approach everything the same, from sailboat racing, go-kart racing, to cars. Maximum effort and preparation, always! I am a lucky man and a life without challenges would not be for me.”
It’s clear that he welcomes the demands that come with taking on something new. For a driver who has just completed a 10-win championship season, the appetite to conquer more remains as strong as ever.
