IndyCar Owner Carl Haas Dies at Age 86

Legendary IndyCar owner Carl Haas has died at the age of 86. 

Per an official release from Haas Auto's official website, he died peacefully on June 29 at his home. 

Haas ventured into competitive racing in 1952 as a driver and was successful, including winning 10 races at the Milwaukee Mile racetrack, before retiring from on-track races to start his own team in 1967.

Haas' journey from the track to the owner's box was explained as part of the Haas Auto website release:

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While at Goodwood, Carl was introduced to Mike Hewland, Hewland Engineering. Carl recognized Mike’s engineering talent and began representing Hewland in the U.S., a relationship that still exists today. At Goodwood, Carl also met Eric Broadley, the owner and chief designer of Lola Race Cars. In 1967, Eric recognized that Lola would best be represented by Carl A. Haas Automobile Imports, Inc., and Lola became the dominant race car in the U.S. for thirty years. Carl’s innovative concepts allowed Carl’s distribution business to blossom. Fifty five years later, Carl A. Haas Automobile Imports, Inc. still sets the gold standard; distributing cars and replacement parts for the racing industry. 

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Haas' most prominent role in auto racing was as a co-owner of the Newman Haas Racing IndyCar team from 1983-2011. Mario Andretti won the 1987 Indianapolis 500 as part of the team—the last of his three titles in that race. 

During his time as an owner, Haas' teams won 11 championships and helped lead to his induction in the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame in 2007. He was also awarded the Bob Russo Heritage Award from the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008.