Schmidt may replace Luyendyk on IRL circuit

Monday, Dec. 7, 1998 | 4:08 a.m.

Sam Schmidt followed Arie Luyendyk to the checkered flag in the Indy Racing League's Las Vegas 500 in October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Now, Schmidt is poised to follow Luyendyk behind the wheel of Treadway Racing's G-Force/Aurora that carried Luyendyk to three wins, including the 1997 Indianapolis 500.

Schmidt, of Henderson, is close to signing a contract to drive for car owner Fred Treadway. But he labeled as "premature" a published report that hinted the deal would be announced as soon as today.

"There is no signed contract," Schmidt said.

Schmidt, 34, confirmed that he has talked with Treadway to replace Luyendyk, who will retire after the 1999 Indianapolis 500. Treadway has said he is waiting on primary sponsor Sprint PCS to renew its agreement before he signs a driver for the 1999 season.

"It's not a deal until Sprint signs the contract," Schmidt said. "I don't think Sprint is going to sign a contract this week ... (and) probably for not for (another) week to 10 days.

"Any announcement as to me signing something is premature. But we have been talking and things look quite positive and likely if Sprint PCS remains as the title sponsor of the car."

In the meantime, Schmidt will go to Orlando this week for a test session with Treadway Racing. Treadway has yet to receive the 1999 update kits for their G-Force chassis, so they will test with Schmidt's updated Dallara chassis.

Schmidt was one of the few owner/drivers in the IRL last season and finished 14th in points. Despite running on a limited budget, Schmidt qualified sixth for this year's Indy 500 and finished second to Luyendyk in Las Vegas -- his best career finish.

The 1999 IRL season opens Jan. 24 at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Fla.