BRASELTON, GA. (Tuesday, June 16, 2026) – Memo Gidley extended his GT America powered by AWS championship lead with a dominant weekend at Road Atlanta, sweeping both races from pole position in the No. 56 SKI Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II.
The victories marked Gidley’s sixth and seventh wins of the 2026 season and completed a satisfying weekend for the SKI Autosports team at the 2.54-mile circuit.
Gidley established himself as the driver to beat in qualifying, setting the fastest lap of the session to secure pole position for Race 1. His fastest lap in race one was also enough to earn pole for Race 2, putting the veteran racer in control heading into both 40-minute contests.
That advantage proved decisive.
In Saturday’s opening race, Gidley led from the green flag and controlled the pace throughout, pulling clear when needed and managing traffic effectively to secure his sixth victory of the season.
He returned to the front of the field on Sunday and delivered another measured drive to complete the sweep. Starting from pole position once again, Gidley maintained the lead through the opening laps and remained in control despite the challenges of navigating traffic around North America’s most demanding road courses.
The weekend marked Gidley’s third sweep of the season and further strengthened what has become one of the most successful campaigns in GT America competition this year.
“It’s unbelievable,” Gidley said after Sunday’s victory. “We’re all thankful for opportunities, and who knows what I would have been doing without Kent and Melissa (Hussey).
“The team is just so superb. It’s definitely one of the best teams I’ve ever been with, bar none. Everybody gets it done, and they’re just so grateful to be here. I’m so grateful to be here.”
The victories continued a season that has seen Gidley and SKI Autosports emerge as consistent front-runners in the GT America paddock. The team has combined outright pace with strong execution throughout the year, allowing Gidley to convert opportunities into victories on a regular basis.
Following Sunday’s race, Gidley was asked about comparisons to former GT America champion George Kurtz, who recorded 10 victories during a single season.
While the milestone is now within sight, Gidley remains focused on the championship race rather than individual records.
“I don’t,” Gidley said when asked if he thinks about the win total. “I go one race at a time. Someone’s got to win, and I just really appreciate being in the position where we’re winning a lot of races.
“It’d be awesome to beat George Kurtz because he was a great driver, still is a great driver. But one race at a time. Let’s see what we can do with this Rowdy Audi.”
With seven victories through the opening half of the season, Gidley and SKI Autosports leave Road Atlanta with additional momentum as the championship battle continues.
“The competition is really good this year, as evidenced by how close the qualifying times are,” team owner Kent Hussey said.
“I think the team’s ability to get the most out of the Audi platform, combined with Memo’s consistency on the track, has made the difference. Melissa and I are proud of what our small group of talented people has accomplished this year.”
The GT America powered by AWS season resumes at Road America on August 28-30, where Gidley will look to add to his win total and continue the No. 56 team’s title charge.
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:
– 7 wins, 8 podiums, 8 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
