LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000 – Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt is suffering some paralysis and is in intensive care at Orlando Regional Medical Center after an accident Thursday morning during the league ‘s Open Test at Walt Disney World Speedway. Further tests are being conducted to determine the extent and duration of Schmidt’s 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 Schmidt’s injuries and condition will be provided when available. Media Contacts: Ron Green, Indy Racing League Media Relations Manager, +1 (407) 939-6798 Paul Kelly, IRL/IMS Communications Manager, +1 (315) 673-0184 World Wide Web: http://www.indy200.com http://www.indyracingleague.com