Newman/Haas to fold?

Q: What is the story on Newman/Haas? In a year they went from being one of the top teams to completely off the radar screen. Is it JUST because Paul Newman passed away? Loss of $$ from Newman's Own? I can't believe Haas wouldn't keep racing as hard as ever, but suddenly they have no drivers and no competitive mojo. Are they winding down for good? I can't find anything in the press about this, and maybe I missed it in one of your columns. My wife and I are particularly interested because we have each volunteered at The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp for more than 15 years, have met Newman and have followed his race team religiously. If you can't get this into your Mailbag for one reason or another, could you at least give us some kind of short private update so we can know what's going on? Or refer us to articles where it was covered?

Tony Carroll, Coatesville, PA

RM: Even with McDonald's on board, Paul and Carl were still spending their own money to keep two cars on track and without a sponsor or PLN, Graham Rahal lost his ride. Mike Lanigan also left after PLN's passing so Bernie Haas has been calling the shots because Carl's health is failing. Newman/Haas was like Ganassi and Penske, it never took money from drivers, it always hired the best available until this year. But I've heard if Bernie hasn't secured a sponsor by Dec. 1, it could be lights out for one of the great teams of the past 30 years. SPEEDTV.com