Newman stands by series

Speaking in the run-up to last weekend's Champ Car race at Vancouver Newman, who has been critical of the IRL in the past, let slip Haas's plans before quickly adding that a deal had not been finalised.

Newman has re-affirmed his commitment to Champ Cars and will remain a team owner next season. Although he played down speculation that fellow Hollywood star Tom Cruise is set to become a team owner.

"I would say that's a long shot," he said, "He was very excited [when he visited the Long Beach race], but his schedule is worse than mine and I don't think he would want to be an absentee landlord.

"I don't know whether or not I'll have partners. It's just too early to talk about it and I hate speculation."

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