¦ May 1, 2006
Mears to Receive Legendary Driver Award

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Proudly Presents the Legendary Driver Award to:

Rick Mears

Rick Mears’ spectacular career began in 1968 in the deserts of Southern California where he raced motorcycles, followed by off-road racing, sportsman stock cars and IndyCar Series. In 1977, Rick met car owner Roger Penske who offered him an Indy car ride and the following year started on the front row of his first Indianapolis 500. He was named Indy 500 co-rookie of the year. This was the beginning of an extraordinary relationship that continues today.

In his 17-year Indy car career, Rick Mears won the Indianapolis 500 four times (1979, ‘84, ‘88, ‘91), won 40 poles (including a record 16 in 500-mile races and a record six at the Indianapolis 500), posted 29 victories and set a closed-course IndyCar Series speed record of 233.943 mph at Michigan International Speedway in 1986. He was recognized in 1990 as the Associated Press “Driver of the Decade” for his 20 wins in the 1980’s. In 1992, he was named one of ten “Champions for Life” by the Driver of the Year Award’s panel –the youngest driver of this prestigious group.

In 1997, Mears was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

During the past 13 seasons, Mears has helped Team Penske’s drivers and engineers score 57 victories, including five Indianapolis 500 wins, 56 poles and three National Championships.