Columnist Sam Schmidt: Finishing 23rd a bit disappointing

Sam Schmidt

Tuesday, May 29, 2001 | 10:52 a.m.

Editor's note: This is the last in a series of columns by Indianapolis 500 car owner Sam Schmidt of Henderson. Schmidt's driver Davey Hamilton completed 182 laps and finished 23rd Sunday in the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500.

The circumstances that caused us to not finish the race were out of our control. There was something in the engine that failed. We haven't figured out what it was just yet, but it could have been something in the valve train.

We played the game very well. We were headed for a solid top 10 finish. For a while, we were first in class -- the highest running IRL (Indy Racing League) car. We had positioned ourselves to go to the end with the fuel that we had. That was the game we were playing with 45 laps to go. I knew we could do it, but the result sheet doesn't represent the effort of this team here this month.

The good news is that we came together at the right time. We know where we were and we know what we accomplished. The pit stops were good, the strategy was good, and a lot of things were falling into our hands, just where we wanted them. To be able to make a lap up after going down one lap and to be in a position to finish where we were was a great accomplishment because of where we started (26th).

The way it turned out was really disappointing because we needed to finish where we were running late in the race. Overall, I think we ran well.

I couldn't have asked for more support from the fans. To hear all the cheers since the time we arrived here earlier this month was very gratifying and it is appreciated. It made me feel like I was a big part of this year's race. The reception of the other drivers and teams in the garage area was very special, too.

I do want to thank Mike Lanigan and Steve Rowan of Mi-Jack for coming on board with a last-minute sponsorship of the car Saturday night. The Mi-Jack sponsorship was a one-race deal. We've got a little bit of sponsorship for the next race at Texas Motor Speedway. We'll go there and see what happens.

After that race, we'll just have to sit down and evaluate everything and see what tomorrow brings. I'm more determined than ever to bring this team back here again. This is the last in a series of columns by Indianapolis 500 car owner Sam Schmidt of Henderson. Schmidt's team driver Davey Hamilton completed 182 laps and finished 23rd Sunday in the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500.