¦ May 24, 2011
INDYCAR TEAM OWNER AND QUADRIPLEGIC EARNS POLE AT THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
Sam Schmidt proves nothing is impossible even for those with severe spinal cord injuries.

  
  INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 24, 2011) – Last Saturday, Sam Schmidt achieved one of his lifelong dreams – winning the pole at the Indianapolis 500, even though for now his mode of transportation is limited to the four wheels of his motorized wheelchair. 

Driver Alex Tagliani recorded the fastest four-lap average of the day on the very last run of the afternoon and overcame the odds to capture the top spot in the waning minutes of Pole Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For Sam Schmidt Motorsports, this was a victory in itself in beating much more well-established teams to win the prestigious honor. 

For Schmidt himself, this achievement proved something even bigger: That you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it, even when confined to a wheelchair.

Schmidt made 21 career IndyCar starts as a driver, including one victory in 1999 at his home track Las Vegas Motor Speedway, before a practice-run crash left him paralyzed from the chest down in January 2000.  Shortly after his accident, he founded the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF), which is leading the charge to cure paralysis by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances benefiting those with spinal cord injuries, stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases. 

Since 2000, Schmidt has been leading the fight to cure paralysis and, by winning the pole at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” brings that cause to a global stage. Schmidt provides a first-hand example of how one can overcome adversity to achieve one’s goals.

“Winning the Pole at the Indy 500 and particularly the 100th Anniversary of the race is a dream come true and would not have been possible without a great team,” said Schmidt. “I have a C-3 spinal cord injury, but I have not allowed that to stop me from pursuing my dreams on the track.  I hope this is an example for people with paralysis and other disabilities that if you work hard and focus on your goals, nothing is impossible. 

“Like the six million other Americans afflicted with spinal cord injuries, I want to walk again,” Schmidt said.  “That’s the mission of The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation … to lead the charge to find a cure for paralysis. The philosophy of teamwork that makes for success in racing is what the Foundation is striving to achieve in the research arena.  Science can only move forward when researchers work together and build on one another’s achievements.”

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation has raised more than $7 million to support finding a cure for paralysis, including more than $250,000 at its annual Gala on May 18.  In addition to initiating local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of those disabled, SSPF also funds national “Days at the Races” and “Run, Walk ‘N Wheelathon” programs. Ida Cahill, president and CEO of the Foundation, is a member of the Spinal Cord Leaders Council.

To view photos of Schmidt and Indy 500 pole-winner Alex Tagliani, click here.