Carl Haas has died

Carl Haas died on Wednesday June 29 at the age of 86 while suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It was his company Haas Auto which announced his disappearance on Thursday July 7.

The American businessman, famous for his cigars, left his mark on the history ofIndyCar by creating Newman / Haas, in association with actor Paul Newman, to run Mario Andretti from 1983. The Italian-American won the title the following season. Michael Andretti and Nigel Mansell then evolved within the team which will remain in CART following the birth of the IRL.

Carl Haas also tried the adventure in F1. His team, which worked with Ford and Lola in 1985 and 1986, was the last American team entered in the discipline before the arrival of Gene Haas in 2016.

“I am very sad to learn of the passing of Carl Haas, comments Michael Andretti, owner of Andretti Autosport and driver of Newman / Haas Racing from 1989 to 1992 and from 1995 to 2000. “Carl was an icon of our sport and the automotive industry. I owe much of my success to Carl and the Newman/Haas family. Paul and Carl have without a doubt built one of the greatest teams in history. I am truly honored to have been part of this legend. »

“In 2002, Carl gave me the chance of a lifetime by offering me the second wheel of the Newman / Haas Racing in CART for 2003, remembers Sébastien Bourdais, current KVSH Racing driver who won four titles from 2004 to 2007. He did it without having a sponsor for the car and I will be infinitely grateful to him. From 2003 to 2007, the team was a real family to me..."