Andretti and Mansell lead tributes to legendary team owner Haas

Haas passed away on June 29 at the age of 86, with his death announced on July 7.

The team he ran with Paul Newman, Newman/Haas was an IndyCar and CART mainstay for nearly 30 years, recording 107 wins and taking eight drivers to titles.

MARIO ANDRETTI
Newman-Haas driver 1983-94, including winning 1984 title

"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 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
Newman/Haas driver 1989-92 and '95-2000

"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."

NIGEL MANSELL
Newman/Haas driver and IndyCar champion in 1993

"Our thoughts and condolences for the loss of Carl Haas some brilliant memories R.I.P."

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS
Newman/Haas driver 2003-07, four titles between '04 and '07

"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.

MIKE LANIGAN
Joined Haas and Newman as Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing co-owner for three years

"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."

GRAHAM RAHAL
Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing driver 2007-10

"Carl Haas was one of the legends of our sport, a person whose passion for racing led his teams and businesses to amazing success over the years.

"I personally 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
Newman/Haas driver 2005, '09 and '11

"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 that ever worked for him.

"He had high loyalty standards and all his partnerships with manufacturers, sponsors, Paul Newman and with his long life partner and wife, Berni Haas, are a clear proof of it and should serve as an example to the rest of the racing and business community."

CHIP GANASSI
Longtime rival as owner of Chip Ganassi Racing

"RIP Carl Haas. You were a mentor, a leader, and a great friend to many including me. You will be missed my friend."

J. DOUGLAS BOLES
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president
"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."