DAY AT THE RACES

For a map of Day at the Races event locations in 2011, click here. 

We regularly receive testimonials and appreciation for our Day at the Races events, and we certainly appreciate them. 

Here are some recent examples.
- "... thank you for all of the fun my cousin, Tom and I had at the Kentucky Speedway.  I got an autographed photo of the Indy-Lights racer, Pippa Mann, which has a place of honor on my awards shelf.  Please give Sam my absolute best, as he is a true hero, and inspiration to anyone he comes into contact with.  My disability is so minor, compared to that of so many people.  I firmly believe that my life was spared, so that I could hopefully inspire others to overcome their pitfalls that life throws at them.  I hope I am doing a good job in this respect, but seeing Sam makes my problems so minor, I am humbled.  God Bless you, your foundation, and Sam Schmidt.  Sincerely,  M. S. V. Cpl. USMC  (ret)"
- "I don't see myself as an individual with a disability. I just see myself as a person that can't walk very well... I had so much fun when I got invited to the track last summer. I have never seen so many people with disabilities smile so much. It was truly a highlight of my year.  I have been keeping up with the team stats via the web. I can't believe they have done so well. Awesome Job!!!! I have been converted to and Indy car fan ever since my trip to the KY Speedway. Tell everyone on the team CONGRATULATIONS...from us.....K. Combs"
- "Cindy contacted me through Linkedin to invite me to A Day at the Races at Homstead Motor Speedway. I was with a group of about twenty disabled persons from the area invited to to experience a day of Indy Car practice. I am a triple amputee. We met and heard Sam Schmidt's inspirational story of crashing his race car, becoming a quadriplegic but going on to manage a successful racing team. Cindy did a tremendous job of organizing and managing this complex event. Getting twenty of us plus our guests into the infield through tight security was a marvel. From there it was an exciting dream come true...eating in the Andretti Team dining tent, meeting drivers. then viewing the rows of moter homes, transporters, garages and finally right down to the pits. Because of Cindy's organization everythig went off without a hitch. A great day with incredible access thanks to Cindy Norton." Ted B., Engineer Supervisor US Coast Guard.
- "Thanks again for a very nice day in Miami, & please pass on extra thanks to the Andretti Hospitality team and the Firehawk guy, as they really put on a nice lunch & 1st class treatment with the entire teamwork together, and all of the sponsors involved. The Firehawk mascot really knows how to work the room and give people a good photo op. He must've been burning up in that suit and headgear, but I'm sure he's getting used to it by now. Along with the SSPF team and Sam's Professional young drivers, you guys really know how to put together a impressive and very fun event for people that would most likely never get the opportunity to enjoy such treatment, and/or hardly ever get such top quality attention. I was very happy to hear the great results on Saturday and wish I could have had help returning to watch the race. I know I would have really had a good time watching the race live, but I'm very thankful for your e-mail and links below which helped me see the results along with the commentary from J.K Vernay, along with good footage of the race. Please give them a personal Congratulations, and a high five tothe guys along with a good hug to Pippa Mann.  I really can appreciate how much work goes in to all that you guys do every time you host the guests, not to mention your regular hard working schedule.I used to be pretty involved with fundraising for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and I know how many hours it takes to be successful at what you do. You're a very special person to do what you do, and I know I can speak for most of our group even though I'm not really close with most of them, I know they are very grateful for the day you gave us and it won't be forgotten. Thanks again to Everyone, & I hope to see you all again. God Bless You All." Mark A.
- "Cindy, The SSPF Race Day event at Sparta (KY) was fantastic. I loved being able to be back in the garage (pit) area with the cars, the drivers, and the great tool-box trucks. What a treat to meet Pippa Mann!!  It was great she could take time out to meet and talk to us. Lunch at Andretti's "kitchen" was -  Wow!!!  Food was great, shady and folks were all very compatible and friendly. My thanks to Andrettti for sponsoring the lunch. I enjoyed the race in the evening. I was glad the sun went down. Seeing the Indy car practice laps was fantastic. Micheal and I ended up sitting on level 2 in the grandstand right at the "Start/Finish" Line. How cool was that!!!  Thanks again to the Foundation and for allowing the invited participant to bring along a guest."  Don E.
- "Hey All, I just wanted to say a BIG Thank You to all the folks at the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for allowing me to witness the behind the scenes activities at the KY Speedway this weekend.  I had the time of my life.... Please keep up the good work because little things like this do make a huge difference.  Please extend my gratification to Kody for being such a good tour guide. Thanks again." Kelvin.
- "Thank you once again for the day at the races.  Jean and I had a grand time.  Everyone was so hospitable and tried to make you more than welcomed. Carlos who was at the garage I would have loved to have spent more time with to pick his brain.  I think I shocked him with the technical question I asked. However I do know what is like getting ready for a race and your time is very limited.  The Andretti camp welcomed you like you were a king. What a lunch!  Jean asked what I thought we would have at lunch and I said probably Chicago style hot dogs, wrong.  We did stay for the Indy car race under the lights and we were very impressed.  On the Indy car lights race I'll I can say is what a finish. The next time you talk to Sam thank him from the both of us for the invitation." Alex M. 
- "Hey Cindy yesterday was a blast I had fun. I wanted to say thanks to everyone that help put this event on, and special thanks to you and Sam for giving me this opportunity to meet other guys that are in the same situation that I am in. if you are doing any more events I would love do join you guys again." JamesJ. 
- "As a disabled father I know my sons miss out on a lot. Money is always an issue and with my healthcare eroding to the point where I've been trying to find a surgeon for my arm to take my insurance for 6 months, with no takers. A day like yesterday means everything to us. Sam, Cindy and his foundation gave us a day we will always remember and made our whole summer. Thanks for everything. (And thank the Andretti's for the great lunch !!)"  Dan, Kate, Nick and Tom
- "Thank you very much! You have made one of my dreams come true so again thank you and I hope that we will have more events that I can attend and become more involved with Sam's foundation. Take care." Anthony L.
- "Kody: know you have already been thanked by Joey (and Hogan if he could type) and probably many of the other participants. But I still have to add my 2 cents.  Thanks so VERY much for your time while you hosted the Indy 500 "Day at the Races". Joey, Hogan, Connie and I had a fantastic day. Please encourage Sam and his foundation to continue inviting patients and families to participate in this "behind the scenes" event. It was an absolute "blast".  THANKS AGAIN - VERY MUCH." David T.

Click here to see more testimonials from people who attended Day at the Races event.  
Click here to see 2011 Day at the Races event schedule.

WHAT IS DAY AT THE RACES?

Since its inception, hundreds of spinal cord injured people and their families have attended a ‘Day at the Races' program, which was developed by Sam to build upon his team's participation at racetracks throughout the country.

At the racetrack locations, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation contacts local rehabilitation centers and organizations for the disabled, inviting patients and family members to attend a ‘behind-the-scenes' guided tour of the garage area and enjoy a catered lunch. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and view on-track activities. Guest speakers address many areas of concern, including: transition from inpatient rehabilitation to the home, insurance problems, homecare, family and transportation.

Additionally, emphasis is placed on the topic of post injury employment since many newly disabled people begin to believe there are no opportunities. Rather than accepting a life of social welfare and becoming a burden on society, encouragement and practical information are provided for attendees. A mobile 'resource center' containing literature on topics such as adaptive devices, national and local sports programs, accessible transportation, medical research and other beneficial information is available.

As a reminder of the day, participants also receive racing memorabilia , products from participating sponsors and contact information for future reference. In many instances the program offers the initial opportunity for patients to leave the rehabilitation hospital and enjoy the first of hopefully many days of activity with their families.

The program is structured and highly successful in achieving several very important goals that are essential to the future well being of the attendees and families:

• Within a ‘safe' environment, they are exposed to potential accessibility issues and challenges faced at public venues. Successfully maneuvering their way around the track and grounds and the opportunity to interact with people both with and without disabilities instills confidence and self-assurance. They realize they are able to meet new challenges presented to them and regain confidence in their ability to communicate and carry on conversations.
• An informal forum is provided for interaction with other previously injured individuals. These people recount their stories, provide inspiration and real life examples on how and why not to give up on life or permit obstacles to deter them from reaching their goals. The realization becomes apparent that, while their life has dramatically changed, a fulfilling and productive life is within their grasp. These are experiences that cannot be learned in a book or hospital setting.
• Resource materials on spinal cord injury research, adaptive technologies, sports programs, job training, the importance of maintaining healthy lives by exercising and physical therapy and other critical information is provided.

It's an exhilarating day and one that is long remembered for its message of hope and sense of excitement for the future. The program positively impacts the inpatient returning to the hospital by inspiring a new outlook on life and renewed enthusiasm toward physical therapy. The previously injured attendees become re-energized by new information received and feel a sense of ‘community' and self-worth by supporting those who are newly injured.

Equally important, the program is extremely beneficial to the attending family members who survived the initial trauma of their loved ones sustaining an injury and now know what to expect in the days and months ahead. While none of their lives will ever be the same, the ‘Day at the Races' program instills confidence, provides essential information, the opportunity to get to know others who will lend assistance and hope for the future.

In a split second, doing every day activities such as riding a bike, crossing a road, driving a car or swimming, a life can be turned upside down and changed forever. With your support, the ‘Day at the Races' program will provide uplifting experiences for many more people. Your support will play an important role in helping patients and their families cope with the uncertainty and trauma of a new disability and provide hope for the future.

How to Become a Day at the Races Sponsor
Sponsorships are available for Day at the Races events, from local sponsorship levels to national sponsorship levels.  We also welcome product samples to place in the "goodie bags" that we give to all our Day at the Races guests.  Please contact Cindy Norton for details: [email protected] or 502-396-3214.

NATIONAL DAY AT THE RACES SPONSORS FOR 2011:

United Medical Providers

Firestone

 

Lucas Oil

  

Norton Neuroscience Institute

 

Honda

 

Andretti Autosport

 

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Sponsors for Day at the Races, St. Petersburg 2011:

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Green Savoree Promotions

Brooks Rehabilitation

World Challenge Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

 

Bright House Networks