Statement from Newman Wachs Racing
Everyone at Newman Wachs Racing (NWR) would like to send our condolences to the entire Newman family during this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Paul Newman and Eddie Wachs met when they raced Can-Am together in the mid 1970’s. Over the years the pair remained close friends and formed Newman Wachs Racing in late 2005. They joined the Champ Car Atlantic Series in 2006 and the team was based on the premise of creating opportunities for aspiring young drivers and promoting causes.
Newman first took an interest in motorsports while filming the 1968 movie, “Winning," in which he played the role of an Indy Car driver. His racing career spans from his first event in 1972 until his death. He won the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995 as a driver in addition to multiple Championships as a team owner.
Paul’s generosity, among many things, was legendary. His philanthropic endeavors included his well-known Hole in the Wall Camps, which allow for children who are ill to experience the simple joys of childhood without compromising their health.
“Paul’s devotion to seeing that young men and women have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations to become professional race car drivers was elemental in forming this team," stated Eddie Wachs. “We have lost a dear friend but we will carry on in his memory just as he would have wanted us to do. He was an amazing man and actually I think he was a racer first and an actor second. He was a gentleman and we are all privileged to have had him in our organization these past few years. He will be missed."
October 3rd at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia will be the final race in the 2008 Atlantic Championship and NWR will be racing for their first Championship with driver Jonathan Summerton. It will be a poignant weekend for the whole team as they race in tribute to their friend.