Schmidt to be featured in TV program
Schmidt, an Indy car driver who suffered injuries in a testing crash in January 2000 that rendered him a quadriplegic, had the opportunity to drive a passenger car once again around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past May. Through the SAM (semi-autonomous motorcar) Project, Schmidt controlled the steering and acceleration of the modified Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray entirely by incremental head movements.
Schmidt, who co-owns teams that compete in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires, is the founder of the Cure Paralysis Now, which funds scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances that could lead toward a cure.
The foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues. Its Day at the Races program, in which paralyzed individuals meet Schmidt and get a behind-the-scenes tour at a Verizon IndyCar Series race venue, is among the foundation's longtime outreach initiatives.
A film crew recently visited Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, at his home in Nevada.