Working to Cure Paralysis

Racing series IPS IRL Date 2004-10-16 (Fort Worth, TX)

Former Indy Racing League IndyCar Series driver and owner of the champion's Menards Infiniti Pro Series car driven by Thiago Medeiros, Sam Schmidt isn't one to give up. Full story

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MEDEIROS SETS RECORD WITH 4^TH VICTORY IN A ROW

July 19, 2004-Thiago Medeiros pulled away from the field at the Cleanevent 100 on July 17 at Nashville Superspeedway becoming the first Indy Racing League driver to win four consecutive races as he led all 77 laps of the event.

Medeiros, who started his fourth consecutive race from the pole, remained comfortably in front the entire race to post his fourth victory in a row – a record for both the Menards Infiniti Pro Series and the IRL IndyCar Series. Mark Taylor (2003) in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series and Kenny Brack (1998) in the IndyCar Series had held the record for consecutive victories. Medeiros also set the Menards Infiniti Pro Series record for consecutive race laps led (173 over three events), and most wins from the pole position. The next goal of consequence is to defeat Mark Taylor’s record totaling 7 wins in a single season. Medeiros is now driving to exceed that record. He set his sights high at the beginning of the season, his second year in the Series, and hasn't wavered.

“The pole here was really a big advantage for us because it’s a really hard track, really hard to overtake,” said Medeiros, who received a painted Gibson guitar for his victory. “Sometimes you have a lot of grip; sometimes not. It’s really hard to keep the car behind somebody. If you have somebody behind you, the guy has to be much quicker than you to overtake you. The team did a good job. They gave me a great start this weekend. We were quickest all the sessions that we had here. I think I did the easiest part, I just drove the car around.” (About his 173 consecutive laps led): “That's a results that everyone's done together. I think the team has been working really hard at the shop. I have been working very hard myself, working out a lot. I'm just ready. I just keep trying to do my best every day. My focus in my life right now, my priority, is the championship in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series.”

Team owner Sam Schmidt is beaming with pride. “I am extremely proud of how the team had gelled together. Everyone has just clicked. Thiago is a very good driver and is working hard to be the best he can. When everyone works this hard together, good things happen. So now, our focus turns to Milwaukee as we keep our eyes on the championship.”

Medeiros will have his challengers, including teammate Arie Luyendyk Jr, who will look to get back to the podium in Milwaukee. Luyendyk is currently 4^th in the point standings.