Comments on: Newman/Haas Drops A Bombshell

By: SH

SH — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:43:13 +0000

Somewhere I have a great picture of Vitolo’s car sitting on Mansell’s. Our seat at Indy used to be on the infield side of North Chute before the F1 track was put in. When that accident happened, under yellow as the cars were running the emergency lane for an accident in the same area, I ran down there and got the pictures.

Not surprised by this. I know their hospitality coach only went to a handful of races last year. That’s not a good sign. Newman was the fundraiser for this team. He brought the Budweiser money in the old days.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:10:34 +0000

Bernie could never be a successful business man in the US (or western world) unless he totally changed his ways. Races in Europe are dwindling. We are seeing the issues in Austin. The races in Montreal and Albert Park are touch and go. Western governments have to be responsible with there money. Governments in the Middle East and Asia apparently are allowed to spend spend spend and get away with it.

Bernie just said there will likely be only five races in Europe. Monaco, Monza, Silverstone, Spa, Germany (Nurenburg/Hockenheim), Barcelona, Valencia, and Hungry. Which races go away? (Istanbul is one) There was even talk of races in Rome, Russia, and at Paul Ricard in France. Bernie does do a lot of lying but he is going to alienate his core fan base.

This is a long way of saying there is no way Bernie can start an open wheel series in the states. I think IndyCar will be ok. Randy Bernard is a good business man. The fail safe is always the France family, they could alwasy come in and buy it. While that may not be what we want, the series will live on and at least they could race more ovals. I see no reason why IndyCars couldn’t race on Saturday and the cup guys race on Sunday.

By: billytheskink

billytheskink — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:59:47 +0000

A very sad day indeed, and certainly not good for the series.
Still, I think this decision may have had nearly as much to do with Haas’ health as it did with economics. One of the SpeedTV writers, I believe, said that Carl did not attend a single race this year.

It seemed that Lanigan was brought in a few years back to take the team into the future. Unfortunate that things went south with Lanigan, because with or without sponsorship, NH needed a face if it was to survive.

Few race teams live beyond the active lives of their owners and founders. I struggle to come up with any non-F1 teams in that few, maybe Bettenhausen/Herdez/HVM.

By: redcar

redcar — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:33:42 +0000

It’s too bad, considering the comeback year they just had, but I’m not all that surprised. I was more surprised when Haas kept it going after the loss of Paul Newman and his connections and money.

Indycar is fighting a war on any number of fronts, and the series could change (actually is changing as we speak) but I’m confident that the series will be around for a long time and am a little puzzled by all the doom and gloom. but then, that’s what we do…

As far as Ecclestone…why would venues pay the sanctioning fees he would demand to see the same drivers that no one wants to pay to see right now? There’s not enough money in U.S. open-wheel to pay his daughter’s property taxes.

By: Chris Lukens

Chris Lukens — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:29:17 +0000

What are the chances that Carl Haas might start a food catering business to service the Indy 500.

By: Mike R

Mike R — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:20:22 +0000

Can’t say I ‘never’ saw it coming, or that I’m stunned. I am bummed, and a bit surprised. It’s one of the great teams in the last 30 years, and it’s sad to see them come to this moment. I’m hopeful that it will eventually get the financial resources to return. I’d like to see the financial resources show up for a LOT of teams before this happens to them.

By: Tom G.

Tom G. — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:27:11 +0000

Another ill omen.

Yeah, Newman-Haas has been the same since the demise of Champ Car. But they seemed like they had turned a corner. Still, with no more Newman or Lanigan, and an 82 year old Haas, it was just a matter of time.

These 2 cars are going to be tough to replace on the grid. I’m starting to wonder if they’ll even be able to field 33 for the 500.

By: Jennifer Coomer

Jennifer Coomer — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:42:38 +0000

Since Paul Newman’s death I’ve had a feeling this could happen. But, wow, I’m still very sad and disappointed to actually see it come about. For various reasons… And, for the immediate future, mostly for Servia and Hinchcliffe. As you said, they’ll likely be fine. They’ll find a place to land. However, we know this will shuffle things around for other drivers. And someone(s) is likely to get bumped. Not to mention the momentum both drivers & crews – especially Servia – had coming out of this 2011 season.

It’s just a shame.

By: dylanpt24

dylanpt24 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:21:33 +0000

It’s horrible news…. Newman Haas had Servia 4th in points, ahead of all the Non Red Cars. They looked like a team to watch in 2012… instead they ended up like De Ferran/Dragon

By: Simona Fan

Simona Fan — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:12:03 +0000

Bizarrely I managed to not mention the fact that their most popular driver (by a lot) has left for NASCAR as one of the things they’re up against. Sheesh, it’s been a rough year.