¦ July 31, 2009
DAY AT THE RACES, KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY
A Fantastic Day in the Bluegrass State

What a terrific turnout for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation’s “Day at the Races” event at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, July 31!  The program is designed for people with spinal cord injuries and other physical challenges to spend a day at the racetrack enjoying the ambiance, learning about racing and watching some racing action.  For many of our guests it was their first visit to a racetrack. 

Although the weather was great on Friday, on-track activity had been delayed due to a week of heavy rain.  Despite that disappointment, everyone took advantage of the unusual quiet to learn about racing and race cars during an extended garage and pit lane tour.  Track workers graciously offered to allow a group photo in Victory Circle, an area normally off-limits to fans.  A number of racecar drivers were available for autographs and photos, as were members of the IRL safety crew.  Several drivers stopped to chat with our “Day at the Races” guests, including Indycar’s E.J. Viso, Jacques Lazier & Sarah Fisher, also Indy Lights drivers Wade Cunningham, Ana Beatriz, James Hinchcliff and Mike Potekhen.  One lucky guest tried on a race helmet, one received an autographed race helmet visor compliments of drivers Thomas Shekter and Mike Conway, and the smallest kids were invited to sit in a race car and dream of driving it!

After the garage & pit tour our guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and time to relax in the Andretti Green hospitality tent.  Sam Schmidt addressed the guests and answered questions relating to his spinal cord injury, how he overcame his many challenges, and his career as an IndyCar driver and now an Indy Lights Series team owner. Ida Cahill, President/CEO, described the work of the Foundation, and reps from our major “Day at the Races” sponsor United Medical Providers (UMP) offered samples and souvenirs.  Our guests enjoyed the chance to network and make new friends, and several received massages by Debbie Joplin, Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of "The Art of Healing”.  Debbie is nationally certified to work with special needs clients, including those with SCI and other physical challenges.

Of course we always hope – and expect – that our “Day at the Races” guests will be able to see on-track activity, but this day turned out to be a great experience for everyone anyway.  The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation wishes to thank Kentucky Speedway and Andretti Green Racing for their gracious hospitality, as well as the racecar drivers, track workers and IRL employees who went out of their way to ensure that our guests were well entertained.