A Day at the Races

Former IRL driver Sam Schmidt inspires Shriners patients

Kids from Shriners Hospital in Chicago enjoy a day at the Chicagoland Speedway

“I had a blast, said 14-year-old Mary. “It’s incredible just to be out here and to meet all the drivers. It’s also very cool to see the race cars up close.”

The event was sponsored by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF), where adults and children with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities can spend the day meeting both IRL and IRL Pro Series drivers and watch them race.

The event kicked off Saturday afternoon in the patron hospitality tent with an inspirational talk by Schmidt, former IRL driver and team owner of Sam Schmidt Motorsports and founder of the SSPF. His motivational speech encouraged children to follow their dreams.

Overcoming his own spinal cord injury from a 2000 racing accident, Sam serves as a role model for both adults and children.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch as IRL drivers Alex Llyod, Logan Gomez, Ryan Justice and Leilani Münter greeted guests and signed autographs.

Following lunch, guests were treated with goody bags, a visit by the IRL mascot Firehawk, and a surprise visit from Rahal Letterman Racing driver Scott Sharp. The IRL driver gave away his replica match box racing cars and Rahal Letterman Racing caps.

For 10-year-old Luke, the highlight of the visit was meeting Sharp. “I was so excited to meet Scott Sharp and get his autograph,” said Luke. “He's a great driver.”

Guests also received a tour of the garage and pit area prior to Sunday’s races. “Seeing the cars was my favorite part,” said 6-year-old Connor. “Watching those cars race was a lot of fun.”

The fun continued on Sunday at the IRL Pro and IRL races, where the children watched the closest finish in Indy Pro Series history as Gomez took the checkered flag over teammate and 2007 Indy Pro Series Champion, Lloyd.

“This was an amazing weekend,” said Mary, “I can’t wait to come back next year!”