Recovered quadriplegic tests for Schmidt.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports continued its pre-season preparations by staging an Infiniti Pro Series and Indy Racing League test at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week - but most of the attention was taken by a rather special occupant of the cockpit.

Pat Rummerfield, a fully recovered spinal cord injury quadriplegic, was among the five drivers testing for the team, which is run by the wheelchair-bound Schmidt. Rummerfield, who was injured in an automobile accident in 1974, tested an IPS car in hopes to partner Schmidt next season and race for spinal cord research.

"It's the first time that a quadriplegic has ever been in a [race] car," Rummerfield revealed, "Sam Schmidt and I are attempting to raise money for spinal cord research, utilising racing as a vehicle. This is a great way to heighten awareness for spinal cord research and to raise some funds.

"It took me a little while to get comfortable in the car and to figure it out. Once we accomplished that, the speeds came up."

Rummerfield's racing credentials include NASCAR testing, the national speed record for an all-electric car and completion of various driving schools. In addition to racing, he has completed the Ironman Triathlon race in Hawaii.

The test marked the second consecutive year that Schmidt, who was injured in a testing accident during the 2000 season, has held such a test at LVMS. Last year, Dan Wheldon, the 2003 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year, participated with the team.

"We are seeing a huge interest in drivers from Midgets, Sprints and Formula 2000 in the Infiniti Pro Series," Schmidt said, "This is an opportunity for them to test it out and see if they like it and to give us feedback."

Other drivers testing for Sam Schmidt Motorsport during the week included Travis Gregg, Jimmy Dziewior, Ron Thurman and PJ Abbott.