IRL: Schmidt injured in testing accident at Orlando
6 January 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
|
Further tests are being conducted to determine the extent and duration of Schmidts paralysis. Schmidt, 35, is conscious and alert.
Schmidt, from Las Vegas, was injured when the rear of his 1999-spec Treadway Racing G Force/Aurora/Firestone car hit the outside retaining wall in Turn 2 of the 1-mile tri-oval. He was transported via air to Orlando Regional Medical Center immediately after the accident, which occurred at 9:20 a.m. (EST).
A three-year Indy Racing veteran, Schmidt finished a career-best fifth in the final season point standings in 1999 for Treadway Racing. He earned his first career pole and victory at the Vegas.com 500 in late September at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Schmidt was testing with other Indy Racing drivers in preparation for the season-opening Delphi Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway on Jan. 29.
More details about Schmidts injuries and condition will be provided when available.
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