IRL: Schmidt Remains Stable, Awaits Possible Transfer
13 January 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
|
Schmidt may be transferred to a rehabilitation facility as early as Thursday, Treadway Racing spokesperson Ruthie Culbertson said. He is breathing with the aid of a respirator and is awake, alert and aware of his surroundings, Culbertson said.
Schmidt, 35, continues to suffer from paralysis from the clavicle down, Culbertson said. Doctors cannot yet determine of the extent and duration of Schmidts paralysis, Culbertson said.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip St. Louis used a pin and a bone graft to fuse Schmidts C-3 and C-4 vertebrae during surgery Jan. 6.
A three-year Indy Racing veteran, Schmidt 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.
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. Cards and letters can be sent to Schmidt at:
Sam Schmidt
c/o Ruthie Culbertson
Treadway Racing
6017 W. 71st St.
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Donations to either CARA Charities, IRL Ministries or Speedway Childrens Charities in Schmidts name are encouraged in lieu of flowers and gifts. Donations should be sent to the above address.
More details about Schmidts injuries and condition will be provided when available.
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