¦ May 18, 2012
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation honors Johnny Rutherford and Holmatro Safety Crew at Racing to Recovery Gala
Annual event raises nearly $300,000 to support medical research to find a cure for paralysis

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) hosted its 13th annual Racing to Recovery Gala this past Wednesday at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway, Ind., where it was able to raise nearly $300,000 to support medical research to find a cure for paralysis. In addition, Schmidt presented Johnny Rutherford with the Legendary Driver Award.

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.

SSPF also recognized 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. As an expression of gratitude, each member of the Safety Team was presented with a brand new laptop donated by HP.

Numerous IndyCar Series drivers were in attendance to support SSPF and watch the awards presentation including Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, Will Power, Katherine Legge, Ana Beatriz, Townsend Bell, Simon Pagenaud. In addition, Sam Schmidt Motorsports' Firestone Indy Lights drivers Victor Carbone, Tristan Vautier and Oliver Webb were on-hand for the event. Indy 500 legends came out to celebrate as well; past drivers in attendance included Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser and Arie Luyendyk.

"Sam and I are delighted that Johnny Rutherford was a part of Wednesday's Racing to Recovery Gala," 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 were also excited to honor 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. We're humbled by the support that both the racing and Indianapolis communities showed the Foundation through their generosity at the event. The Racing to Recovery Gala has become a highly anticipated event during the month of May and we're excited to see it grow even bigger in the future."

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 more information, visit www.samschmidt.org.

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