Note: This is a past press release from May 2018. It is preserved here for archival and informational purposes.
Contact: media@safeproject.us
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – May 17, 2018 – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) co-owner Sam Schmidt, alongside retired U.S. Navy Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld, Jr., former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced today a meaningful partnership between SPM and SAFE Project, a national nonprofit working to end the addiction fatality epidemic.
SAFE Project, which stands for Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic, was founded by ADM Winnefeld and his wife Mary after the tragic loss of their 19-year-old son, Jonathan, to an accidental opioid overdose. The organization is dedicated to awareness, prevention, education, and expanding access to resources and support for those affected by addiction—particularly in response to the ongoing opioid crisis.
As part of the partnership, SAFE Project’s branding will be prominently featured on the No. 5 and No. 6 Hondas, driven by James Hinchcliffe and Robert Wickens, respectively, during the Indianapolis 500 over Memorial Day weekend.
“SAFE Project is honored that Schmidt Peterson Motorsports would allocate valuable visibility on board two of its IndyCar entries for this year’s Indianapolis 500 to highlight the importance of reversing the opioid epidemic that is devastating our country, and particularly this region of the United States,” said ADM Winnefeld. “We are proud to be part of this team.”
“SAFE Project is a no-brainer for us to get behind,” said Sam Schmidt, co-owner of SPM. “There is a real crisis happening in the United States because of opioid addiction. If we can help shine a light on this destructive problem and provide a platform for ADM Sandy to help spread awareness, we are all in.”
Qualifying for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 begins on Saturday, May 19, with coverage airing on ABC at 4:00 p.m. ET. For more information on SAFE Project and how to get involved, visit safeproject.us.
About Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
Founded in 2001 and co-owned by former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt and Canadian businessman Ric Peterson, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) competes in the Verizon IndyCar Series. With over 70 wins, 70 pole positions, and seven championships in the Indy Lights series, the Indianapolis-based team has also claimed five IndyCar victories, two Indianapolis 500 poles, and three top-five finishes in the overall championship standings. Learn more at spmindycar.com.
About SAFE Project
SAFE Project is a national 501(c)3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. SAFE Project provides transformative programming, training, and technical assistance based upon a collaborative, multipronged and nonpartisan approach within each of our key initiatives – SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces and SAFE Veterans. Our work is fueled through six distinct, yet interrelated lines of operation: public awareness, full-spectrum prevention, prescriptions & medical response, law enforcement & criminal justice, treatment & recovery, and family outreach & support. SAFE Project turns hope into action. For more information visit safeproject.us.