Gidley suffers broken back in Rolex 24 accident

Memo Gidley has a broken back that will require surgery after a terrifying accident in the early stages of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. (David Graham/AP)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Memo Gidley has a broken back that will require surgery after a terrifying accident in the early stages of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Gidley’s GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team says the driver will remain at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach until doctors repair an "unstable fracture" in his back.

Gidley had surgery on his left arm and leg late Saturday.

Matteo Malucelli also was involved in the two-car crash Saturday afternoon near the three-hour mark of the prestigious endurance race.

Gidley was driving the pole-winning car. He had to be cut out of the No. 99 Corvette, which crumpled like an accordion when he plowed into the back of Malucelli’s Ferrari.

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