¦ June 14, 2010
DAY AT THE RACES INDIANAPOLIS 2010
On May 16, 2010 the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation hosted a very special Day at the Races program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We were honored to include as guests 2010 Miss Wheelchair Indiana, Joey Murello and 2009 Miss Wheelchair Indiana Emily Munson.  Also in attendance were members of the Brawler’s Quad Rugby Team, Sudden Impact Soccer Team, the Wheelin’ Sportsmen, and ICAN Indiana Canine Assistant Network.  Clients of Dixie Chopper/Rehab Ideas demonstrated a prototype of the newly developed Mobility Rover, soon to go on the market.  Also present were Nashville recording artist Michelle Murray, RHI of Indiana, artist PVA board member/artist David Hornick and many more.  What an exciting day for everyone who attended!

During lunch in the Andretti Autosport hospitality tent, our guests participated in a Q&A session with Sam Schmidt and open wheel drivers Townsend Bell, who drove Car #99 for Sam Schmidt/Ganassi Racing in the Indianapolis 500 the following week, and Pippa Mann, who drives Car #11 for Sam Schmidt’s IndyLights team.

Firestone’s mascot “Firehawk” popped in to visit, shaking hands, posing for photos and entertaining the guests.  After lunch, guests were treated to a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the garage area, to see the drivers and get autographs and photos.

One of the other highlights of the day was a rare opportunity to see the inside of an accessible motorcoach.  For photos of the day’s activities, click here.

Furthering its mission, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation organizes the “Day at the Races” program during IndyCar race weekends at racetracks throughout the United States and Canada.  Day at the Races has grown to be one of the Foundation’s most popular programs.  

We contact local hospitals that specialize in spinal cord injury treatment, rehabilitation centers, VA Hospitals, Adaptive Sports Programs and organizations for the disabled, inviting patients and family members to enjoy this unique opportunity.  Individual registrations are also welcome.  Because space is limited, we hope that new people will experience the day each year so we may serve as many as possible. 
 
As a reminder of the day, participants also receive racing memorabilia, autographs from drivers and team owners, products from participating sponsors and contact information for future reference.  For more details on our Day at the Races program, click here.

For questions about future Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Day at the Races events, contact coordinator Cindy Norton, [email protected].

How to Become a Day at the Races Sponsor
National sponsors, to date, for the “Day at the Races” program include: United Medical Providers, Firestone, Honda, Norton Neuroscience Institute.  Additional sponsors for Day at the Races include: St. Petersburg - Green-Savoree Racing Promotions; Long Beach - Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Tequila Patron Racing; Indianapolis - Superior Van & Mobility, Andretti Autosport, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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 gift bags that all our Day at the Races guests receive.  Please contact Cindy Norton for further details on Day at the Races sponsorship opportunities: [email protected] or 502-396-3214.  For a complete 2010 Day at the Races schedule with locations, click here.