Sam was one of the top IRL drivers until an accident at Orlando left him a quadriplegic. Now heavily involved with paralysis and spinal cord injury organisations, but his injury has not stopped Sam from being involved in motorsport as he ran an Indy Lights team and a Indycar team, still being involved after being bought out by McLaren until 2025 when he ceded remaining control of the team. Lives in Nevada. Schmidt's father also appeared at the Indianapolis 500 as a mechanic. In 2021, Schmidt made an incredible return to racing, driving a specially equipped Corvette C8 that he controls with his eyes, voice commands, cameras and sensors. He is racing in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Series. The idea behind the return is to help develop this kind of technology for others in a similar position to Sam for their everyday lives.

Biography last updated 3 Jan 2025