SONOMA, Calif. (Monday, March 30, 2026) – Memo Gidley and SKi Autosport delivered a milestone result at Sonoma Raceway, sweeping both rounds of GT America and securing the first weekend sweep in team history.
At the wheel of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, Gidley set the benchmark from the outset, qualifying on pole position and converting that pace into two race wins across the weekend.
In Race 1, Gidley launched cleanly from pole and controlled the race from the front. He built an early gap and maintained it through traffic, managing the pace across the 40-minute contest to secure the victory.
Race 2 brought increased pressure. Gidley again started from the front and held the lead through the opening laps, working through traffic while managing a close challenge behind by Kyle Washington. He maintained track position in the closing stages to complete the double.
“ You know, it’s unbelievable,” said Gidley. “I mean, Kent and Melissa, SKi Autosport, that’s why I’m here today. And then being a local track with all my friends and family, from my 5-year-old daughter to my 89-year-old mother and my sisters and brothers in between, and all my friends and family, we’re all part of this journey, man.
“We are all part of this journey. I just happened to be in the driver’s seat. Thank you very much.”
The result carried added significance for the California native, delivering both wins with new championship challengers joining the series in 2026.
For team owner Kent Hussey, the result marked a statement start to the season.
“For us, this is exactly how you want to kick off a season,” said Hussey. “To come out like this, put it on pole, control both races, and execute across the board – that’s a huge statement from everyone on this team.
“I’m incredibly happy for Memo to do this at his home track. To deliver two wins like that in front of his family, his friends – that’s special, and it means a lot to all of us.
“We came into this year committed to a full championship push, and you couldn’t ask for a better start. But at the same time, we know what it takes over a full season, so we’ll stay focused and keep working.
“And full credit to Phil Creighton, Rossella Manfrinato, and every single person on this crew. The preparation, the execution, the performance – this was a complete team effort.”
The Sonoma result represents a defining step in SKi Autosport’s progression since its debut in 2022. The team earned its first victory that season with Andy Pilgrim, added another win in 2023 with Johnny O’Connell, and broke through in 2024 with two victories and the GT America championship.
Joining the team last year, Gidley continued that trajectory with three wins in a limited campaign, setting the foundation for the team’s most complete weekend to date.
With two more victories at Sonoma, SKi Autosport now stands at nine all-time GT America wins, with its first-ever weekend sweep establishing a new benchmark for the program.
The GT America championship continues April 24–26 at Circuit of the Americas, where SKi Autosport will look to build on its early-season momentum.
2026 schedule
Test: Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, February 12–15
Round 1: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California, March 27–29
Round 2: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, April 24–26
Round 3: Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida, May 8–10
Round 4: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia, June 12–14
Round 5: Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 28–30
Round 6: Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama, September 25–27
Round 7: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana, October 8–11
SKI Autosports GT America history
2026:
– 2 wins, 2 podiums, 2 starts – Memo Gidley
2025:
– 3 wins, 10 podiums, 12 starts – Memo Gidley
– Third overall with limited schedule
2024:
– 2 wins, 14 podiums, 16 starts – Johnny O’Connell
– Overall GT America Champion
2023:
– 1 win, 5 podiums, 18 starts – Johnny O’Connell
– GT America Drivers Masters Champion
2022:
– 1 win, 4 podiums, 5 starts – Andy Pilgrim
