IRL team owner Paul Newman dies at 83 - Newman/Haas

[The General]

The acting world has lost a giant, and the racing world has lost a friend.

Paul Newman, world renowned actor and team owner in the IRL IndyCar Series, died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, Conn. at the age of 83.

The Academy Award-winning actor is best remembered for roles in films like "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Color of Money," and the auto racing movie "Winning," among others. Other sports related movies on his resume include "Slap Shot" and the animated racing movie "Cars."

Newman, who was born Jan. 26, 1925, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was also part owner of the Newman/Haas/Lanigan IndyCar Series Racing team. Before joining the IRL this season, the team was a powerhouse organization in the Champ Car World Series and captured eight series championships.

"On behalf of Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, my wife Bernadette and myself, I want to express our most sincere condolences to Joanne and the entire Newman family on the loss of a great human being. Paul and I have been partners for 26 years and I have come to know his passion, humor and above all, his generosity," said fellow co-owner Carl A. Haas. "Not just economic generosity, but generosity of spirit. His support of the team's drivers, crew and the racing industry is legendary.

"His pure joy at winning a pole position or winning a race exemplified the spirit he brought to his life and to all those that knew him. We will truly miss him."

The roster of drivers that raced for Newman included Mario Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti, Paul Tracy and current Formula One driver Sebastien Bourdais. Currently, Graham Rahal and Justin Wilson drive for the two-car organization.

"I had the pleasure of driving for Mr. Newman in 1981 and I was richer for the experience," Rahal said. "He was a man of class and he was also deservedly very highly regarded for his driving skills. The world is a poorer place today for his passing."

The movie icon also spent several years behind the wheel, beginning his professional auto racing career in 1977 and competing in several high level competitions, including the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1977, where he finished fifth, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where his team finished runner-up.

FOX Sports on MSN - Auto - Actor, IRL team owner Paul Newman dies at 83

[The General]

Justin Wilson's win @ Detroit was the last and Graham Rahal was the yougest ever winner earlier in the season.