¦ May 12, 2005
The hardest part might be getting up in the morning
Schmidt’s routine of two hours inspires others

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 12, 2005


The hardest part might be getting up in the morning

Schmidt’s routine of two hours inspires others;

Day At Races program set Friday, May 20, at Indy


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. − For Sam Schmidt, he had to find a reason to get out of bed in the mornings . . . and, mainly, to spend the two hours it takes a quadriplegic to go from slumber to dressed and ready.

Inspiring others with those reasons is behind the “Day At The Races” program, Friday, May 20, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) and Andretti Green Racing will host area spinal cord injury patients and their guests, giving them the opportunity to experience open wheel racing – and to be encouraged by Schmidt, who works daily to overcome the same adversities.

Guests attending “Day at the Races” may be taking their first trip outside of their rehabilitation facility; consequently, they may be getting their first experience with adjusting to the new challenges of their situations. SSPF will address the concerns and challenges and help the patients and loved ones recognize the need and benefits of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

As part of the program, Schmidt’s guests will tour the pits and garages of the speedway, watch IndyCar practice and have lunch with Sam Schmidt. Sam Schmidt Motorsports race car drivers, Richie Hearn, IndyCar, and Travis Gregg, points leader in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series, are also expected to visit the Andretti Green Racing hospitality area to meet with the guests.

“I enjoy exposing all the guests to the excitement of open wheel racing at the highest level. I want them to have a behind the scenes look that the majority of them would never have the opportunity to see otherwise,” says Schmidt. “Most importantly, for the recently injured or disabled rehabilitation patients, is that they realize their situation doesn't mean they can't have a life and pursue their interests when released from the hospital.”

Entertaining, educating and inspiring guests is “part A” of Schmidt’s agenda for “Day At The Races.” “Part B” is to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries and to seek funding to assist fellow spinal cord injury patients and to pay for much needed research to find a cure for the debilitating injury.

Following the accident in January of 2000 which ended Schmidt’s successful IndyCar racing career, he founded Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which fields Infiniti Pro Series race cars for Travis Gregg, Jaime Camara, Chris Festa, and Tom Wood, and an IndyCar entry for Richie Hearn for the Indianapolis 500 on May 29th. The team gives Schmidt an outlet for his racing talent and it provides a good promotional foundation for his true passion, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

“Positive attitude is everything,” says Schmidt, whose foundation works to raise awareness of the tremendous impact a spinal cord injury has on the patient and family. “I had terrific support from my family and a deep faith that helped me get to where I am today. And I had good insurance. I know others are not so fortunate and I will not forget them.”

The mission of SSPF is to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries. SSPF facilitates scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and raises funds to improve the quality of life of those affected by spinal cord injuries.

“I emphasize to those with spinal cord injuries that many exciting research projects and programs are underway around the world and they should make every effort to stay in shape with the hope that procedures are coming to improve their situation. What the future holds for each of them is entirely up to them individually,” says Schmidt.

Sam Schmidt spends two hours each day getting up. He keeps his body in very good physical condition. He does this all because he has hope that there will be a cure some day, and he wants to be ready to walk when that day comes.

“I don’t want to have to wait even longer rebuild muscles—when I get to walk again, I want to be ready! And keeping your body healthy keeps you from getting a lot of the other illnesses that can easily affect a person that’s not getting much activity,” Schmidt explains.

For more information about the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation visit www.SamSchmidt.org or call (317) 236-9999.


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