IRL news tidbits

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman declared the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2 as Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week as a tribute to the spirit of Indy Pro Series team owner Sam Schmidt. "Having a Spinal Cord Injury Week in Nevada is very special, and I applaud Mayor Goodman for making it happen," said Schmidt, whose team has fielded three championship-winning drivers in the last four years. "Due to Nevada's climate and active residents, we have a larger than normal section of the population living with spinal cord injuries, and they will be honored by this recognition. Every day, we are battling to cure neurological disorders as well as provide proper insurance coverage and employment opportunities for those who are disabled. This week will bring a local and national awareness to our cause, which is greatly needed."…….Buddy Rice will return to defend his Master's Division title in the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the IndyCar Series All-Stars Karting Classic on Dec. 6 in Orlando, Fla. Rice, the 2004 Indianapolis 500 champion who competed for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the IndyCar Series this season, will join a driver lineup also featuring Marco Andretti and Bryan Herta. Admission to the event adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center is free….A.J. Foyt Racing driver Darren Manning will co-drive the No. 45 Embassy Racing LMP2 car with Warren Hughes and Mario Haberfeld in the Le Mans Series finale at Interlagos in Brazil this weekend.