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SAM SCHMIDT, WITH ‘HESITATION,’ HOSTS MISS AMERICA CONTESTANTS IN LAS VEGAS

Sam Schmidt has been utilizing his off-season busily preparing for the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series campaign, getting settled into a new home, and helping to promote his new indoor karting center, Pole Position Raceway, which he co-owns with Brad Mark, Jamie Little, Kurt Busch, Jeremy McGrath, Mike Metzger, and other prominent Vegas businessmen.

As busy as he’s been, however, he took the time out of his busy schedule to help entertain the contestants of the 2009 Miss America Pageant last weekend.

“We needed to have an ownership presence at the event, and since no one else was available, and as much of a struggle as it was, I eventually drug myself down there,” Schmidt said. “They had to twist my arm, but in the end, we agreed to host the Miss America contestants at Pole Position Raceway. In all seriousness, it actually was quite a blast.”

The ladies were given a chance to practice their skills on the karting track before having a qualifying round. The top 10 ladies advanced to the final race.

In the end, Miss South Dakota, Alexandra Huffman, took the checkered flag over Miss Michigan, Ashley Glenn, and Miss Wyoming, Courtney Gifford.

Schmidt said, “I’m sad to say that neither Miss Indiana (Katie Stam) or Miss Nevada (Julianna Erdesz) qualified for the finals, but what they lack in speed, they certainly make up for in personality and fantastic looks, so let’s hope their results are much better on Saturday evening!”

The Miss America competition can be seen live on TLC at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday and will include clips from the Miss America Pole Position Challenge.

Schmidt and his Firestone Indy Lights team get back to work next week with testing and the first race of the season on April 4th on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.
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