¦ April 9, 2013
SSPF to honor Al Speyer at Racing to Recovery Gala
Tickets available now for star-studded Indy event

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) announces it will host the 14th annual Racing to Recovery Gala Wednesday, May 22, at The Crane Bay in downtown Indianapolis.  The Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. During the event, SSPF founder Sam Schmidt will present the 2013 Legends of Racing Award to Al Speyer, executive director of Firestone Racing.

The Gala, one of the most anticipated events in the days leading up to the Indianapolis 500, will feature appearances by some of the biggest names in auto racing. Festive cocktails, gourmet food stations and a silent and live auction are among the highlights of the evening.

The Racing to Recovery Gala raises funds to support medical research to find a cure for paralysis. Last year’s event raised nearly $300,000 for spinal cord injury (SCI) research.

“It is a fun night and a great cause,” says Ida Cahill, President and CEO of SSPF. “This year’s event promises to be the best ever with a new venue and some exciting announcements from the Foundation.”

Reservations and sponsorship information can be obtained by calling 317-236-9999 or sending an email to [email protected]

About Al Speyer, 2013 Legends of Racing recipient

A seasoned veteran of the motorsports industry, Al began his career with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company after graduating from Syracuse University in 1974 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Al balanced weekday work with his weekend racing activities, competing in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competitions. In 1984, he was promoted from senior project engineer in the technical testing area to manager of race tire development.

In 1992, he was named manager of motorsports for the company. The following year the company announced it would end a 20-year hiatus from the top forms of open-wheel racing, and Al was tapped to manage the return to competition that began in 1995.

Speyer was promoted to Director of Motorsports, and in 2001 was named Executive Director of Motorsports for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (now Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC—BATO). He directs the company’s open-wheel racing programs, the company’s motorcycle and karting activities and manages all aspects of the company’s motorsports activities, including marketing and promotional activities.

Speyer currently serves on the board of directors for the National Guard Youth Foundation and the Indy Family Foundation, Inc. He is chairman of the board of trustees for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America; Past-President of the CART Sponsors Council and is a member of the Honorary Committee for Racing for Kids to the Hill. He has been a recipient of many awards and recognitions, including the Road Racing Drivers Club Class of 2010, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Partner for a Cure Award, the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association “Straight Shooter” Award, the PPG Colorful Character Award, the Fred Rhue Meritorious Service Award, and the CARA Charities Betty Rutherford Award.

Al and his wife, Jane, reside in Hendersonville, Tenn. They have one son, Erik.