Sam Schmidt reflects on life after the crash that changed everything
Racer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 8:48 PM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Sam Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver, recalls the impact of his testing crash in January 2000 that left him paralyzed and unable to breathe unaided. Once a rising star in the series, Schmidt's career abruptly ended, as doctors predicted he would never walk or talk again. Two and a half decades later, he reflects on his journey and the life he has built post-accident. His story highlights resilience and determination amid life's unexpected challenges.
- •Sam Schmidt was fifth in points before his crash in 2000.
- •The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down.
- •Doctors predicted he would never walk or talk again.
- •Schmidt has built a new life over the past 25 years.
- 8:48 PMRacer — Sam Schmidt on life after the crash that changed everything
"Sam Schmidt was a rising IndyCar star, fifth in points, a race winner, teammates with Arie Luyendyk, when a testing crash in January 2000 left him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on his own. Doctors said he'd never walk or talk again.Twenty-five years later, he's built...
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