¦ August 20, 2009
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION AND INFINEON TRACK HOST TWO FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN RACE WEEK
by Kaaveh Akbari, Media Relations, Sam Schmidt Motorsports

  The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation hosted two successful events at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, during the recent IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights race weekend. 

On Thursday afternoon the Foundation, in conjunction with Shoot For a Cure, hosted nearly 150 competitors in its "Walk, Run, and Wheelathon," at the facility. This was the second event of this type hosted this season by SSPF and Shoot for a Cure.  Participants were able to race on a modified version of the race course used by the IndyCar Series.  Funds raised will go towards funding paralysis research, helping the almost six million people in the United States who have some form of paralysis.  More specifically, the local money raised will be distributed to local hospitals and research centers in the California area.

Sonoma's Jeff Stuhr, a top wheelchair athlete and advocate, wheeled to victory in a field of 10.  Despite the windy conditions, it took Stuhr only 26 minutes to win the 1.5-mile wheelchair race portion of the event. For his winning effort, Stuhr garnered a first-place ribbon, a catered lunch and a pit pass for Friday's start of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma weekend. 

On Saturday, Sam Schmidt Motorsports and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation hosted a "Day at the Races" at the Sam Schmidt Motorsports area in the Firestone Indy Lights paddock. Nearly 30 guests, comprised mainly of people from the local VA hospitals, met with the team's drivers, enjoyed lunch, a program with Sam Schmidt and the Foundation's CEO and President, Ida Cahill, and a day of racing at the Infineon Raceway. 

Schmidt said, "I'm always pleased to be able to bring those that are spinal cord injured out to the racetrack to share in my passion, and more importantly, to learn about the potential they have in their future lives." 

One of Saturday's guests said, "We're being treated like royalty and loving every minute of it.  Disabled American Veterans like us really enjoy when the community interacts with them." 

Not to be lost in the effort was the support offered by the Infineon Raceway.  The track provided support services and the necessary assistance to make sure both able and disabled bodies were able to move efficiently around the track and avoid many hassles. 

"I can't express enough how grateful I am to the Infineon Raceway and their entire staff for their attentiveness to our guests and their special needs," Cahill said.  "The workers did an extraordinary job, especially considering the logistical challenges that a natural terrain course like this brings." 

Schmidt echoed those sentiments.  He said, "I have to thank the Infineon Raceway for the great effort on their part to make our events such a success.  The bottom line is, if the track doesn't support us, we don't have any events.  They've gone out of their way to make our guests feel comfortable, and more importantly, provided ease of access to everyone who visited. 

"I'm very much looking forward to coming back in 2010 and working with the Infineon Raceway to put on more successful events for the spinal cord injured and their families."