SKI Autosports and Memo Gidley completed their championship-winning 2026 GT America powered by AWS season with a pair of runner-up finishes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, closing a campaign that delivered 10 victories and the SRO3 drivers’ title.
With racing complete, the team now looks forward to celebrating at the SRO End of Year Gala in New York on December 12 before returning for a full GT America powered by AWS campaign and a planned select number of GT World Challenge America powered by AWS appearances in 2027.
Gidley finished second to Peter Dempsey in both Indianapolis races, ending the season tied with George Kurtz’s benchmark for the most victories in a single GT America campaign (achieved in 14 races compared to 16 for Kurtz). The finale added two more podium finishes to a year in which the No. 56 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II consistently set the pace.
“What a season we’ve had together. Ten wins, three second places, only one DNS and a championship take a huge effort from everybody, and I’m so grateful to Kent, Melissa, Phil, Rossella and the entire crew,” Gidley said.
“We wanted to finish with another win at Indy, and we pushed hard in both races, but there’s so much to be proud of when we look at the whole year.”
Gidley started Saturday’s opening race from pole and led until Dempsey found a way past with less than three minutes remaining. The SKI Autosports driver continued to challenge through the final lap before taking second. Sunday brought another runner-up result, with Gidley following Dempsey home to complete the team’s season.
Ten wins and a second overall title
The championship was built on four weekend sweeps, with Gidley winning both races at Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of the Americas, Road Atlanta and Road America.
The Road America double brought his season tally to nine victories, established a new personal best and matched the series record for weekend sweeps in a season.
Barber Motorsports Park then provided the campaign’s defining turnaround. A driveshaft failure on Saturday’s formation lap prevented Gidley from starting, but his championship advantage proved sufficient to secure the title. The crew repaired the Audi, and he returned on Sunday to win from the rear of the SRO3 field.
That comeback delivered victory number 10 and secured a fitting celebration of SKI Autosports’ second overall GT America championship in three years, following Johnny O’Connell’s 2024 title.
“Melissa and I are incredibly proud of this team. Memo has been outstanding, and the work Phil, Rossella and our crew put in throughout the season gave us the foundation to win this championship,” Team owner, Kent Hussey said.
“Barber showed that perfectly: a difficult Saturday, everyone pulling together, and a victory on Sunday. That’s the spirit of SKI Autosports.”
New York celebration before the next chapter
The team will celebrate its championship at the End of Year Gala in New York on December 12, recognizing the season’s achievements and the people behind them.
“We’re looking forward to the End of Year Gala in New York on December 12 and celebrating with everyone who helped make this season possible.
“It’s a chance to enjoy what we’ve achieved before we get back to work. We’ll return for the full GT America season next year, and we’re planning to add a couple of GT World Challenge America powered by AWS races. We’re excited to build on what we’ve started with Memo.”
Gidley’s return has already been announced, with the team’s selected GT World Challenge America events and co-driver arrangements to follow.
“Getting to celebrate together at the gala in New York will be a great way to finish this chapter,” Gidley said.
“This team feels like family, and knowing we’re coming back together makes me even more excited. We’ve built a strong relationship with the “Rowdy Audi”, and I’m looking forward to defending the championship and taking on those additional races next year.”
