Sam Schmidt to Compete Against Pro-Drivers, First Time in 15 Years - Using CXC Simulations' Motion Pro II During iRacing Pro Race of Champions
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 16, 2015 -- With the work of both CXC Simulations and Arrow Electronics, Sam Schmidt is now able to compete against the best in the country – but more so, is able to be in a race environment that could only be achieved through the human spirit of innovation, ingenuity and determination. This will take place on December 16th of this year when iRacing hosts the 5th annual iRacing Pro Race of Champions. CXC Simulations will have 5 pro-racers, including Sam racing in their Motion Pro II simulators at their Los Angeles headquarters. The event will be broadcasted live as professional drivers across different divisions compete at a virtual replication of Watkins Glen NASCAR Cup Course simultaneously.
In January of 2000 Schmidt suffered a near fatal accident while preparing for the then upcoming Indycar series, which left him without the ability to use his arms or legs. In 2001, despite being a quadriplegic, Schmidt became an Indy Lights car owner, then an Indycar owner. His Indy Lights team holds the record for the most wins and championships in history and his Indy cars have won five victories against the powerful Penske, Ganassi and Andretti teams.
In 2013, the SAM (Semi-Autonomous Motorcar) Project was initiated by Arrow Electronics, headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. Arrow purchased a 2014 Corvette to Sam Schmidt’s specifications and set about modifying it with new advanced control systems, which would allow Sam to proficiently drive a race car. In 2015, the SAM 2.0 system improved on the previous model by incorporating more sophisticated technology that would also allow for out-of-the-car training – not just for Sam Schmidt, but eventually others.
CXC was to integrate the highly-developed SAM 2.0 control systems – infrared motion-sensing cameras that read movement of the driver’s “hat” to steer, the breath-sensing “mouthpiece” to accelerate and brake, and the computers and sophisticated software that convert their output to car control actions – with CXC’s custom engineered hardware and software for the Motion Pro II simulator.
“It was a natural for us,” says Chris Considine CEO and founder of CXC, “the challenge of interesting new technologies, the chance to work with very high-tech partners, and the fact that it concerned a kind of driver training, what we’re known for, was perfectly in line with the core interests and principles of our company".
CXC Simulations, with the help of Arrow Electronics and online racing platform iRacing, agreed with great enthusiasm to have Sam compete in the 5th annual iRacing Pro Race of Champions.
“It’s an honor for not only me, but also my entire team,” said Considine. “I am humbled that I have been able to contribute to Sam being able to essentially complete the impossible by racing again. This is a huge step forward in technology, but even more so for how innovation will make huge strides in changing the lives of those affected by paralysis.”
The event will be taking place on December 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST. Qualifying rounds will begin promptly at 5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST. There will an official media slot from 4:00 PST – 5:00 PM PST/ 7:00PM – 8:00 PM EST. Drivers will be in the BMW Z4 GT3 car.
Professional drivers that will taking part in the competition include: Timmy Hill, Trevor Hopwood, Alex Gurney, Chris Dymond, Spencer Pumpelly, Tommy Kendall, Nick Tandy, Dominic Cicero, Ron Capps, Michael Self Benny Simonsen, Michael Lewis, Joe Osborne, Barry Waddell, Igor Sushko, Stefan Wilson, Scott McGlaughlin, Bradley Philpot, Kyle Kaiser, Justin Bell and Ryan Eversley.
About CXC Simulations
CXC Simulations engineers and manufactures the only professional-level automotive racing simulator practical for home and commercial use: the revolutionary Motion Pro II. Founded in 2007 by racer-turned-designer/engineer Chris Considine, CXC has become a leading force in the virtual racing industry to realistically emulate the racing experience. Designing and hand constructing their simulators in their Los Angeles, California, facility, CXC Simulations develops and tests its products with professional drivers and race team engineers to deliver a unique combination of state-of-the-art mechanical, electronic, graphic and audio technologies thoughtfully integrated to create an incomparable tactile, immersive and realistic racing experience. Drivers can practice on real race tracks with actual car configurations or even go online and race against others in real time. Degree of difficulty, from beginner to professional, is fully user adjustable to match any skill level. CXC’s corporate client portfolio includes super car manufacturers Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren and Lamborghini as well as major automobile brands such as Cadillac, Ford and Toyota and non-automotive related corporations such as Intel. CXC Simulations offers simulation packages for residential use and turn-key solutions for commercial clients, events, professional racing teams and sim-centers. To learn more about CXC Simulations visit http://www.cxcsimulations.com.
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 in 56 countries. Based in Centennial, Colo., Arrow guides today’s innovators to a better tomorrow a world of Five Years Out. Arrow is guiding the SAM project forward to improve mobility for the disabled and demonstrate the power of innovation. For more information about Arrow and the SAM project, visit http://community.arrow.com/sam/. Twitter hashtag: #SAMracecar.
For additional information and to schedule and interview with Sam Schmidt or Chris Considine, please contact: DRS and Associates - David Schlocker david(at)drsandassociates(dot)com
DAVID SCHLOCKER, DRS and Associates, http://www.drsandassociates.com, +1 (818) 981-8210, [email protected]
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