That was a big hit... OH MY! A collision involving the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari F458 Italia of Matteo Malucelli was hit from behind by the fourth-place No. 99 GAINSCO Corvette DP of Memo Gidley. Both drivers have been transported to local hospitals, and both cars have been retired from the event.
via IMSA..... The green flag waved to resume racing at the conclusion of Lap 100, following a one hour, 26-minute delay to repair damage following a collision involving the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari F458 Italia of Matteo Malucelli was hit from behind by the fourth-place No. 99 GAINSCO Corvette DP of Memo Gidley. Both drivers have been transported to local hospitals, and both cars have been retired from the event. - See more at: IMSA | TUDOR United SportsCar Championship | Back Underway At Daytona
Since I'm still waiting for 9pm (E) when I can watch more than the onboards, how 'bout a few historical pics from the Daytona 24H? Lifted from Racing History Pics: A holy trinity: Daytona 24, Porsche, & fire. Whittington Bros' 935K3, 1980. Credit: Bob Harmeyer via @SportsCarDigest Daytona 24, 1971: Ferrari 512M of Donohue, Ferrari 512S of Merzario, and Porsche 917K of Elford. Photo: Louis Galanos Daytona 6 Hrs, 1972: Mario Andretti leads the field on the pace lap of the energy crisis-shortened race Daytona 24, 1971: The NART Ferrari 512S after it had been through the wars. It finished second. Photo: Louis Galanos Morning, 1989 Daytona 24. The Bell-Wollek-Andretti 962 would win a fog-filled race. Photo: http://GTP.com Brumos garage, Daytona 24, 1973. The Gregg-Haywood Porsche would win overall and by 22 laps. Photo: Richard Reeves Jackie Ickx at Eau Rouge, 1973 Spa 1000km, in a Ferrari 312PB, the last Ferrari works prototype. Photo: Schlegelmilch
"Memo Gidley and Matteo Malucelli have been admitted to Halifax Medical Center for observation. They are awake and alert. No further update."
I was really worried about Memo. Matteo had spoken to his team after the crash but not a word about Memo or Matteo for many hours. I'm very relieved they are both awake & alert. Man that was a brutal crash.
"GAINSCO Bob Stallings Racing Team Statement: Memo Gidley, driver of the No. 99 GAINSCO/ Bob Stallings Racing Corvette DP, underwent surgical procedures on both his left arm and left leg last night at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Florida. Gidley also has an unstable fracture in his back which will require additional surgery before he can be released from the hospital. He continues to be evaluated. IMSA statement: Matteo Malucelli remained at Halifax Health overnight for evaluation. He continues to rest comfortably. An update on his condition will be provided later today."
How can you make that incidental contact call on the last lap of the race. Between that call and the caution for debris in the track, this race looked a lot like a NASCRAP race.
There was no contact between either car, the Ferrari had the line. That was just good hard racing, the Ferrari driver was more than fair. Me thinks we have not heard the last of this. Hope they win the appeal. The last caution thrown sure had the NASCARP smell to it.
That last caution at the 23:40 mark almost sent me to the ER. The WeatherTech Porsche hit the tire barrier, backed up and continued with no debris anywhere. I had high hopes that this joint venture would be for the best but after seeing these NASCAR idiots running this show I really don't think so. Really frustrating.
That made no sense at all, but have a car going 1 mile per hour on track & don't throw a yellow. Crazy stuff for sure & then a time penalty to the class winning Ferrari was the cherry on top. :crazy: Beyond stupid....