httpvh://youtu.be/Gu4D-qJsz4U
This could’ve been a lot worse.
The 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona proved to be an incredibly entertaining and exciting race from start to finish. Teams battled it out in the different classes, leads were lost, and drama ensued. But, the controversial ending in the GTD class between the Flying Lizard No. 45 Audi R8 and No. 555 Level 5 Motorsports Ferrari 458 was overshadowed by the horrific accident between No. 99 of Memo Gidley and No. 62 car of Matteo Malucelli.
The No. 62 Ferrari was limping through the track due to some mechanical issues while the No 99 car driven by Gidley went through turn 3 on the infield portion of Daytona and attempted to pass a slower car as the sun was shining ahead. As Gidley passed, he slammed into the rear of Malucelli in the No. 62 car, causing the cars to explode with parts as the safety measures worked to absorb the impact. A fire broke out and a red flag was issued immediately.
Both drivers were rushed to the hospital and luckily, both were awake and able to communicate. Gidley suffered a broken back, arm, and leg injuries from the crash. Doctors performed surgical procedures on his arm and leg, but his spinal fracture was unstable and required additional surgery.
Source: USA Today, Fox Sports
