¦ February 29, 2012
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation to honor Johnny Rutherford at Racing to Recovery Gala
Holmatro Safety Team to be recognized with the Silent Hero Award

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 29, 2012) - The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) will host its 13th annual Racing to Recovery Gala on Wednesday, May 16 at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway, Ind., where it will honor Johnny Rutherford with the Legendary Driver Award.

In addition, SSPF will recognize the countless efforts of the entire Holmatro Safety Team with the Silent Hero award for their unparalleled skill and efficiency providing trackside support at every IZOD IndyCar Series event.

Rutherford, also known as "Lone Star JR," is just one of nine drivers to have won the Indianapolis 500 at least three times (1974, 1976 and 1980). In addition, Rutherford claimed the pole at the Indy 500 in 1973, 1976 and 1980. During his career spanning from 1959 - 1994, Rutherford recorded 27 IZOD IndyCar Series victories, 23 IZOD IndyCar Series poles and won the 1980 IZOD IndyCar Series Championship. Rutherford also made 35 NASCAR Sprint Cup starts where he earned one win, five poles and five top-10 finishes. Past award winners include Roger Penske, Rick Mears, Parnelli Jones, Arie Luyendyk, Mario Andretti and Michael Andretti.

"To be part of this year's Racing to Recovery Gala, an event that benefits so many people, is a great honor," said Rutherford. "The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is doing so much to help people with spinal cord injury and paralysis. To be honored by the Foundation for my accomplishments in motorsports is truly something I'm proud of."

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Indianapolis 500 greats from the past and present as well as with current IZOD IndyCar Series team owners and drivers, while raising money to support medical research and rehabilitation for those living with paralysis. The event will feature a silent and live auction, giving guests the opportunity to bid on unique racing-themed items, vacation packages, jewelry, artwork and much more.

"Sam and I are thrilled that Johnny Rutherford is accepting the Legendary Driver Award," said Ida Cahill, President and CEO of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. "His achievements in the world of racing are top-notch and his contributions to the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500 are second to none. We are also excited to be honoring the Holmatro Safety Team with the Silent Hero Award. Each and every member is an invaluable asset to the IZOD IndyCar Series, and we're proud to recognize them for the work that they do to keep all of the drivers as safe as possible."

The SSPF was started in 2000 by INDYCAR driver Sam Schmidt shortly after a practice-run crash left him paralyzed from the chest down.

SSPF 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. 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. Foundation President and CEO Ida Cahill is a member of the Spinal Cord Leaders Council.

For ticket information, contact [email protected] or call 317-236-9999.

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