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Arrow Electronics' Technology Helps IndyCar's Sam Schmidt Compete in Annual Online Race for Charity
[December 15, 2016]

Arrow Electronics' Technology Helps IndyCar's Sam Schmidt Compete in Annual Online Race for Charity


Sam Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver and current team owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, placed 16th during the sixth annual iRacing Pro Race of Champions at CXC Simulations last night, using a race simulator equipped with semi-autonomous technology designed by engineers from the global technology company Arrow Electronics (News - Alert), Inc. (NYSE: ARW). The annual iRacing event pits 24 professional drivers from around the motorsports world against one another for an online simulation race.

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Sam Schmidt participates in the 2016 iRacing Pro Race of Champions using race simulator equipped wit ...

Sam Schmid participates in the 2016 iRacing Pro Race of Champions using race simulator equipped with semi-autonomous technology designed by engineers from Arrow Electronics. (Photo: Business Wire)



Schmidt, who was left quadriplegic after a crash during an IndyCar practice lap in 2000, has collaborated with Arrow on semi-autonomous technology since 2014. Arrow engineers designed and built a modified Corvette for Schmidt, called the Semi-Autonomous Motorcar or SAM car, that he can drive using only the motions of his head and voice commands. The off-the-shelf, open-source technology that Arrow developed for Schmidt has not only helped him to experience driving again, but also inspired additional innovative applications for assistive technology.


This is Schmidt's second consecutive year competing in the iRacing Pro Race of Champions using Arrow-developed technology. This year, the pros raced in digital Dallara DW12 IndyCars on a laser-scanned version of the Phoenix International Raceway. Verizon (News - Alert) IndyCar Series champion Will Power and NASCAR's Timmy Hill were among the other racing notables participating.

All of the proceeds raised during the event were donated to the Justin Wilson Children's Fund.

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 100,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 460 locations serving over 85 countries. Learn more at fiveyearsout.com.


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