The passing of a legend

Carl Haas (pictured above with partner and actor Paul Newman in 2004) passed away on June 29 at the age of 86 after a long illness. His death was announced yesterday. The cigar-toting team owner was a legend in US motor racing, as the founder of the successful Indycar outfit Newman-Haas and the US agent for Lola Cars.

Haas led a diversity of racing programs in a career spanning over 40 years, winning 16 championships in Indycar, NASCAR and Can-Am. He was also the initiator of the Beatrice/FORCE Formula One effort which tackled Grand Prix racing in 1985 and 1986.

Although Haas was not related to Gene Haas, his foray into F1 remained the most recent American venture in the sport until this season.