Jim Ayello

jim.ayello@indystar.com

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The race is set. On May 13, ahead of the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, racing legend Mario Andretti will take on Verizon IndyCar Series team owner Sam Schmidt in a head-to-head race of semiautonomous cars at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andretti, Schmidt and IMS president Doug Boles announced the one-on-one race Saturday, a day before the Verizon IndyCar Series race on the streets of Long Beach.

"It's always exciting when I can get in this awesome car and go fast,” Schmidt said in a news release. “However, this time will have extra meaning as I never had a chance to race against Mario during my driving career. He is a true legend that is world renowned, and I appreciate his willingness to participate and showcase the next evolution of this technology.”

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Schmidt, a former Indy Racing League driver, became paralyzed from the neck down after an accident in 2000. During the May race, he will pilot a Z06 SAM Car, a semiautonomous vehicle that has been modified by technology company and James Hinchcliffe sponsor Arrow.

According to a news release, Schmidt is able to control the car by using a sip-and-puff device that allows him to accelerate and brake. Meanwhile, voice commands enable him to switch gears and turn the car on and off. Finally, sensors on a headset Schmidt wears are connected to infrared cameras on the dashboard and detect his head-tilt motions to steer the car.

Andretti will drive a car that uses the same technology.

Last year, Schmidt was awarded the first restricted license in the nation to drive a semiautonomous car. Schmidt reached 152 mph in the car at IMS last May and drove in the Pikes Peak International in June.

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The May race will be the first time two semiautonomous cars will race head to head. Boles said he is proud IMS can once again be a place a breeding ground for innovation.

"Indianapolis has long been considered a test ground for automotive technologies, and Sam and the Arrow Chevy Corvette have continued to prove that, including a 150-mph run last year at IMS, Boles said in a news release. “Adding a match race between Mario Andretti, one of the most popular and talented drivers to ever compete at Indy, and Sam this May just takes the technology to the next level."

The faceoff between Andretti and Schmidt will be benefit nonprofit Conquer Paralysis Now.

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