Specially-Equipped C8 Corvette Helps Quadriplegic Racer Get Back on Track

Sam Schmidt’s life changed forever 20 years ago, but he’s once again doing hot laps thanks to a high-tech C8.

In just a fraction of an instant, former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt‘s life changed forever. A high speed crash at the Walt Disney World Speedway back in 2000 caused irreparable damage to his spinal cord. Unfortunately, Schmidt was rendered quadriplegic, and his racing career was over. Even worse, life would never be the same. But recently, Schmidt was miraculously able to reach triple-digit speeds on a track once again, thanks to a special C8 Corvette.

The Drive was able to ride along for this amazing experience, and recalled it in this fascinating story. Even better, they were tasked with taking over in case something went wrong. Talk about a heavy responsibility, but thanks to some incredible engineering, that wasn’t necessary. Instead, Schmidt was able to once again taste the thrill of speed from behind the wheel, where he belongs.

The high-tech C8 responsible for making this a reality is dubbed the SAM III, or the third version of the Semi-Autonomous Motorcar developed by Colorado-based tech company Arrow Electronics. It’s also the first C8 they’ve worked on following a previous pair of C7s. As you’d imagine, the car is packed with a variety of cameras, sensors, and computers that help it center and move the car based on Schmidt’s head position and movement and a “straw” that he keeps in his mouth.

Needless to say, the experience left quite the impression on driver and passenger. “If you ask anyone with a disability, what is their idea of a cure, each person will give you a unique answer because everyone is different,” Schmidt said. “My idea of my cure right now is to be able to do this. If I could quit my day job and do this the whole time, I would.”

While it’s all about driving fast on a track for Schmidt, this technology has much broader potential. It could be used to allow disabled folks get back behind the wheel, safely, able to once again drive themselves to the store or to work. Granting freedom to folks that long ago assumed they’d lost it forever. And that’s certainly an endeavor worth pursuing.

Be sure and head over here to check out this cool story in its entirety.

Photos: The Drive

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