From almost before he could talk Sam Schmidt loved racing.  He idolized his father's accomplishments on the track.  So, it was no surprise when, at the tender age of 5 years old, he began competing in motocross events.  It was also no surprise when he abandoned the track, prompted by his father's accident.  But, the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber never left him.  His dreams of racing were too strong. 

Sam earned a business degree from Pepperdine University in California, eventually becoming an administrator for a hospital chain.  However, in 1989 he used what he'd learned to buy and build on his father's auto parts business.  The profits went, naturally, toward racing on the amateur circuit.  He bought his first race car, a Sports Renault, and raced in local events. 

In 1995, at the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, he started on track toward realizing his dream, racing in the Indy 500.  He came in third place, but won the Rookie of the Year award.  His first victory came in 1999 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  More victories would, of course, follow.

Hitting the Wall: Surviving a Spinal Cord Injury
Then one day while test driving a car in preparation for the Indy 200 in 2000, Sam had a life-altering accident.  On the three-turn tri-oval track adjacent to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, while maneuvering through the second turn, he hit the wall.

Airlifted to a local hospital, Sam was told by doctors that he'd suffered severe spinal cord damage and had lost control of his body below the chest.  For the five weeks he was hospitalized he breathed with the assistance of a ventilator. Recovery was hard and painful, but Sam credits his survival and sanity to his tireless religious faith and his strong will.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports is Born Out of Disability
It is said that in every dark period in a person's life a bright spot will eventually show itself.  So it was for Schmidt, too.  Out of the lessons of dealing with a new disability came a strong need to help others.  The result was the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.  Also, while in the hospital, Sam’s own dreams found a new direction after he met Sir Frank Williams.  Williams, a Formula One racing champ, happens to be a paraplegic.  The meeting inspired Schmidt, convincing him that his racing dreams could continue, if in a different path.

With no movement in his arms or legs, driving was out of the question.  But continuing as part of the racing culture certainly was not.  He could use what he'd learned behind the wheel to help others cross the finish line.  To that end, he put together an auto racing team, Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

The team started small, but rewards came quickly.  In 2004, they took first place in the Menard's Infiniti Pro Series.  Sponsors such as Firestone and Lucas Oil came calling.  Drivers also wanted a part of the action.  To date such racing legends as Davey Hamilton, Jaques Lazier and Anthony Lazzaro have joined the team.

Sam Schmidt, Visionary Leader
Not only has Sam Schmidt has demonstrated that dreams of fast cars and cheering fans can be achievements, he continues to have a positive impact on the lives around him.  Because of his dedication and commitment to funding research and bettering the lives of those who are paralyzed, Sam was awarded the 2008 Visionary Leader Award from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation on December 2, 2008.

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