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ASA: Gadget Racing, ARI Motorsports team with Mike Roman

8 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Disabled Racer Looking to Make First Start at Chicago

PENDLETON, Ind.- ARI Motorsports, a commercial division of the Adaptive Racing Institute, and Gadget Racing has announced that they will field a car for Mike Roman for five races in 2000, with the hopes to run for Rookie of the Year in 2001. The teams first attempt will be at the July 16 Chicago Motor Speedway event, the USAMeats.com 200.

Roman, 34, is a disabled former Orthopedic Coordinator who lost his right leg above the knee due to a MRSA Staph infection in 1995. With racing experience beginning in 1986 in karting, Roman will attempt to make his return to the track at Chicago, with other scheduled events to include Hawkeye Downs Speedway, The Milwaukee Mile, Indianapolis Raceway Park and Gateway International Raceway.

"This is so exciting for me, for Gadget Racing, ARI Motorsports and the Adaptive Racing Institute (ARI)," said Roman. "This series is exactly where I want to be. The officials, fans and drivers are all excellent to work with and be around. I feel that with my experience in prior racing endeavors, I will have the opportunity to be successful.

"I have already talked with Mike Miller and Mike Eddy and I plan on following them around the track and learning from two of the best there is in racing today."

In addition to years of karting experience and some time in the Championship Auto Racing Series (C.A.R.S.), Roman is the co-founder of the Adaptive Racing Institute, a non-for-profit organization established to give children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to explore the world of motorsports as either a participant or spectator.

ARI provides scholarships for up to 100 participants and their guardians to attend week long recreational camps, one of which includes the Adaptive Go-Kart Racing Camp.

"ARI is a great organization that passes along a positive message to kids with disabilities," said Roman. "I want to be an influence on them like people were with me when I had my leg amputated. I want to reach the kid who is sitting in the bed feeling bad."

Roman will join with John Brolick to form Team Gadget. The 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will move the gas pedal over to the left side of the car and utilize an automatic transmission.

The car will debut at the John Hancock Center in Chicago on July 14, as part of an appearance sponsored by ARI and the New Hancock Observatory. College Park, Precision Prosthetic and Orthotics, Inc and The Signature Room at Seven Bridges are all also on board as sponsors.

Text provided by Jeremy Troiano

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