Treadway Racing

Prior to the IRL's inaugural season in 1996, Treadway was able to sign former Indianapolis 500 Champion Arie Luyendyk to drive for his freshman team.

Additionally, two long time backers of IndyCar teams, Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems and Jonathan Byrd's Cafeteria, were secured as sponsors.

Luyendyk's attempt on the first day of qualifications was disallowed when he failed technical inspection although it was good enough for the pole.

[4] Goodyear's more consistent results would put him one spot ahead of Luyendyk in the final season standings for 1997 despite not collecting a win.

An opportunity to achieve this success would not occur as a devastating pre-season testing injury[5] at Walt Disney World Speedway would leave Schmidt paralyzed.

The accident would leave Robby McGehee who had been signed to partner Schmidt as the team's sole driver.