[h=2]INDYCAR: Tributes flow for Carl Haas[/h] Thursday, 07 July 2016


RACER Staff / Images by LAT









The recent passing of legendary team owner Carl Haas, whose death was announced early on Thursday, prompted a rush of tributes from the IndyCar paddock, and also from the broader motorsport community.

MARIO ANDRETTI (driver for Newman/Haas Racing from 1983-1994, 1984 Indy car champion, 18 race wins with team)
"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 One, Carl always sought the best equipment, the best drivers and the best team personnel. His legacy, especially in IndyCars, 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 and myself and so many others have lost a dear friend."
MICHAEL ANDRETTI (current owner of Andretti Autosport; driver for Newman/Haas Racing from 1989-1992, 1995-2000)
"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 (current driver at KVSH Racing; driver for Newman/Haas Racing from 2003-07, won four consecutive championships from 2004-07

"It is with great sadness that I heard the news of Carl's passing. Back in 2002, Carl gave me the opportunity of a lifetime when he hired me to drive the second Newman/Haas Racing 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."
J. DOUGLAS BOLES (president, Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

"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 IndyCar community was fortunate to have his personality as part of its family and Mr. Haas' legacy of excellence and winning will long be remembered."
MIKE LANIGAN (current co-owner at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing; former co-owner at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing)

"As a partner of Carl's for four years in INDYCAR, I got to know him as a generous and kind individual whose whole life's purpose was racing. I have always had the respect for the man who achieved so much success on and off the track. He lived the American dream in starting his career under 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."