How These Daytona Speedway Drivers Didn't Die From This High-Speed Crash Defies Logic

Mexican racing driver Memo Gidley has had surgery on his left arm and leg after this horrifying crash at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, an annual endurance race held at Daytona International Speedway. Gidley also broke his back in the accident, and will undergo further surgery on his injuries at a local hospital.

Matteo Malucelli, the other driver involved, was also taken to hospital and suffered a severe cerebral concussion, however doctors do not consider his condition critical. Both drivers are conscious and resting in hospital.

The crash happened in the early stages of the race, when Malucelli's Ferrari 458 lost power and slowed quickly. Fellow racers went either side of him as he pulled off the racing line. As Gidley's Corvette rounded the corner he was tucked up behind another Ferrari which, coupled with the blinding evening sun, meant he did not see the slow 458 ahead of him.

At approximately 120mph, Gidley darted left and smashed into the stranded Ferrari. The sickening impact destroyed the front of Gidley's car, sending the 458 of Malucelli into the barrier and debris across the track.

The race was red-flagged for 90 minutes as crews used the jaws of life to remove Gidley from his vehicle.

It is further testament to the incredible safety of modern race cars that both drivers survived this incident. We wish both Malucelli and Gidley a speedy recovery.

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