Andrettis, Bourdais, Rahal and more pay tribute to Carl Haas

Mario Andretti was instrumental in bringing together Carl Haas and Paul Newman to form the team in late 1982, won the team its first championship just two years later, and remained with Newman/Haas Racing until his retirement at the end of 1994.

Andretti stated: "Carl had a heart of gold and a deep commitment to our sport. He earned the respect and admiration of his competitors and all those who drove for him through the years for being tenacious yet fair. 

“In fielding teams in various series from SCCA to Formula 1, Carl always sought the best equipment, the best drivers and the best team personnel. His legacy especially in Indy cars, will be his phenomenal record of victories and championships, thanks in part to the great supporting cast I just mentioned. 

“When I recall the joys of my whole career, I have to include my tenure at Newman/Haas because of the people. Spending 12 seasons with Carl and [wife] Berni and Paul Newman was amazing, triumphant, relentless work and heartwarming. All of it.

“The sport has lost a colorful character, but Carl Haas is unforgettable. He will always be an icon in motorsports. Myself and so many others have lost a dear friend."

Michael Andretti, who won the 1991 CART Indy car title for Newman Haas Racing, and scored 32 of his 42 career victories in an NHR car, stated: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Haas.

“Carl was an icon to our sport and the automotive industry, and I owe a great deal of my career's success to my time with Carl and the Newman/Haas family. Paul and Carl built what was undoubtedly one of the greatest teams in history; I am truly honored to have been a part of the legacy they built."

Sebastien Bourdais, who won 31 races with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and the final four championships of the CART/Champ Car series, stated: "Back in 2002, Carl gave me the opportunity of a lifetime when he hired me to drive the second Newman/Haas entry in CART for the 2003 season. He did so with no sponsor to run the car, and I will be forever grateful for the faith he placed in me.

“From 2003 to the end of 2007, the whole team became a real family to me, thanks to him, Berni and Paul, who had successfully assembled the best group of guys I ever worked with.

“Today, I can only feel privileged to have been able to contribute with poles, wins and championships to Carl's racing legacy. My deepest condolences to Berni and their family. Carl, you will be dearly missed.”

Graham Rahal graduated from the Atlantic Series to Champ Car in 2007, and scored his first win – and the team’s penultimate victory – at St. Petersburg in 2008.

He echoed Bourdais’ sentiment of appreciation for the faith Haas had shown in him ten years ago, stating: “Personally I can't thank Carl enough for giving me my first opportunity and introducing me to the sport I love.

“In his time, Carl was the boss of many of racing's greatest drivers, and for me to get to work under him for those four years was some of the greatest times of my life. There weren't many like Carl, and he will surely be missed." 

Oriol Servia drove for Newman/Haas as substitute for the injured Bruno Junqueira back in 2005, finishing second in the title race, became a part-time teammate to Rahal in ’09 and then closed the final chapter on NHR with a remarkable fourth place in the championship.

He commented: "Carl's overwhelming success in racing as his legacy states was only matched by his genuine, passionate and peculiar character. I was lucky enough to drive for Carl in the three different seasons and during those years all the conversations I had with him were priceless.

“He was loved and appreciated by everyone who ever worked for him. He had high loyalty standards and all his partnerships with manufacturers, sponsors, Paul Newman and with his life partner and wife, Berni, are a clear proof of it and should serve as an example to the rest of the racing and business community."

Mike Lanigan, (co-owner at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing from 2007), stated: "As a partner of Carl's for four years, I got to know him as a generous and kind individual whose whole life's purpose was racing. I have always had respect for the man who achieved so much success on and off the track.

“He lived the American dream in starting his career from humble beginnings and achieved his accomplishments through hard work, long hours and determination. Isn't that what this country is all about? He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten."

President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Doug Boles declared: “Carl Haas fielded cars for some of the best drivers in the world and his leadership and competitive spirit caused Newman/Haas Racing to become one of the most successful teams in our sport's history.

“The Indy car community was fortunate to have his personality as part of its family and Mr. Haas' legacy of excellence and winning will long be remembered."

Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., parent company of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway), added: "All of us at IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are saddened to hear of the passing of Carl Haas. His contributions to our sport were immeasurable and the success of Newman/Haas Racing solidifies his place as a legend in motorsports.

“We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”