Newman/Haas now Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Newman/Haas Racing, owner of seven Champ Car World Series titles has added Chicago-area businessman Michael Lanigan as a partner of the team.

“Paul and I are excited to have Mike Lanigan join us," said Carl A. Haas, co-owner of Newman/Haas Racing who with actor/race car driver Paul Newman has earned seven titles, 97 wins and 100 poles to date. “Mike is a longtime open wheel racing advocate and a very successful businessman. He will be able to contribute not only his enthusiasm for racing, but his business expertise which will open up new opportunities for the team."

As the President of Mi-Jack Products Inc., the leading U.S. manufacturer of specialized RTG cranes, Lanigan has long been involved in racing since the company’s first endeavor in the 1992 Indianapolis 500 and for over 250 races since then as a sponsor, team owner and race promoter. Lanigan co-owned Mi-Jack Conquest Racing with Eric Bachelart. The team competed in the Champ Car World Series from 2003-2006 and in the Atlantic Series in 2006. Drivers who have competed for the team included Justin Wilson, Nelson Philippe, Andrew Ranger and Graham Rahal among others.

“We’ve worked very hard to build a good reputation throughout our 15 years in motorsports," said Michael Lanigan. “You look at every opportunity, but only act on the ones you feel match your goals and I feel very strongly that this relationship with Paul and Carl is a win, win for everyone."

The day-to-day operation will remain the same as the team prepares to make history vying for their eighth overall title. For the first time since 2002, the series will campaign an all new chassis – the DP01. The Champ Car World Series season opening Vegas Grand Prix will take place April 6-8 in Las Vegas.

About Mike Lanigan…

Michael (Mike) Lanigan began his career with Mi-Jack Products in 1973 when he was sent to Indianapolis, Indiana to establish a new Mi-Jack Construction Equipment (C.E.) division. After a successful eight years building Mi-Jack’s C.E. division into the Midwest’s leading Aerial Lift Equipment Distributor with facilities throughout Middle America, he returned to Chicago as Executive Vice President. In 1989 Mike accepted the position of President of Mi-Jack. During his tenure as President, Mike along with his brothers, Jack, Bill and Dan have solidified their core business by entrenching Mi-Jack as America’s premiere rubber tire gantry crane manufacturer and the nations leading supplier of intermodal lift equipment. In addition, Mike has successfully launched Mi-Jack into the international business arena through ventures in Central and South America. Mike resides in New Lenox, Ill. with his wife Mary Kay and has five grown children.