¦ April 26, 2005
Tickets Available To Fans For Annual Indy Benefit
Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries

Tickets Available To Fans For Annual Indy Benefit
Racing To Recovery Gala Set May 16th In 500 City;

Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries


INDIANAPOLIS – Motorsports fans can rub elbows - and auction paddles - with some of the biggest names in open-wheel racing Monday evening, May 16, in the sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant, 3645 East 96th Street in Indianapolis. A limited number of tickets are now available through the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

The gala hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway benefits the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. Top drivers and officials from the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing League annually gather for the cocktail party, auction and charity fund-raiser. It is considered one of the hottest tickets during the Month of May leading up to the Indianapolis 500.

Michael Andretti will receive the “Legendary Driver Award” as part of the evening.

“This is a very important fund-raiser for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, helping us raise the money we need to invest in cutting edge research and provide assistance for spinal cord injuries,” said Sam Schmidt, Chairman of the Foundation.

“It’s particularly important this year because of the honor for Michael Andretti,” he added. “Andretti-Green Racing has been particularly supportive of the Foundation, including hosting our Day At The Races participants at their hospitality tents during race weekends. That will continue with our next Day At The Races program Friday, May 20, at the Speedway.” Said Ida Cahill, President of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, “Besides being such a tremendously important cause, fans can have a great time in a unique atmosphere. Where else could you go, spend time with some of the biggest names in Indy car racing and contribute to helping thousands of people?

“This is hob-nobbing with the players during the All-Star Game. This is spending an evening with the teams just prior to the Super Bowl. We’re so grateful to the drivers, officials and media who grant us their time so racing fans can meet and talk with some of the greatest competitors in the world during the lead-up to the world’s great spectacle,” she added.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 10 p.m. with cocktails and a lavish strolling dinner buffet. Besides meeting drivers and teams, fans will be able to participate in live and silent auctions including one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia.

Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased through Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, ATTN: Gretchen Fox, 4141 Shore Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46254 or by phoning (317) 450-2070.

Schmidt’s personal story is a compelling one that shows tremendous hope. After crashing during an Indy car test in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 6, 2000, Schmidt spent six weeks on a respirator and was diagnosed a quadriplegic as the result of a severe injury to his spinal cord at the C-3/C-4 levels. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was set up soon thereafter, at Schmidt’s request and direction, to assist other people suffering from spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding medical research and quality of life programs.

In 2001, just 14 months after his devastating accident, Schmidt shocked the racing community. He announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and named Las Vegas neighbor, and friend Davey Hamilton as his driver. Schmidt was back doing what he loves most - racing.

Today, Schmidt remains paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors have not ruled out a partial or complete recovery, but it could take years. Schmidt and his team of physical therapists continue an aggressive schedule of four to six hours of daily therapy. His therapy regimen includes: muscular range of motion exercises, weight-supported walking on a treadmill, several hours of Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES), swimming pool therapy and riding a StimMaster stationary bike that is operated by Schmidt through electronic stimulation.

The mission of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Williams Company of America, Inc. (704) 660-0796