Northern Light IRL: Schmidt, Treadway charge forward; Hamilton to drive

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Indianapolis, IN: Sam Schmidt Motorsports will become a technical and marketing partner with Treadway Racing for the 2001 Indy Racing League season. Treadway Racing driver Davey Hamilton will pilot the #99 Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone entry for Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Larry Nash will manage the on-track program.

"Sam is forever part of the Treadway Racing family," said Scott Cronk, vice president of Treadway Racing. "We are happy to assist his endeavors as a team owner and work cooperatively with him throughout the 2001 season. I'm confident they will be a fierce competitor on track with Davey driving and Larry's expertise".

"Treadway has made a significant contribution toward our on track efforts in equipment and providing us Davey", said Schmidt. "We will continue to work together throughout the entire season. I have a great relationship with Fred, Scott and everyone at Treadway and truly appreciate their support and effort in putting this deal together."

Schmidt drove for Treadway Racing in 1999, winning the Vegas.com 500 from the pole in his hometown of Las Vegas, and finishing fifth in the season points championship. Schmidt was paralyzed in a testing accident in Orlando while preparing for the 2000 Indy Racing League season. Sam Schmidt Motorsports was announced on February 9, 2001 at the Indy Racing League's Phoenix open test with Nash running the on track program. Schmidt and Nash worked together in 1997 and 1998, finishing second to Treadway Racing's Arie Luyendyk in the 1998 Las Vegas race.

Text Provided By Scott Cronk

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