Indy pays tribute to Paul Newman

Paul Newman

Gold Coast Nikon Indy race organizers will pay an emotional tribute to Paul Newman on Sunday.

Shortly before the race, racegoers will observe a one-minute silence to honor the legendary actor, Indy enthusiast and race team owner who died last month of cancer.

The tribute will also include a video memorial to Newman who began racing competitively in 1972 and formed the Newman/Haas Champ Car racing team with Carl Haas in 1983.

Graham Rahal, a driver with the Newman Haas Lanigan race team, said the loss of Newman was a huge blow to the team and had created a very different vibe among its members.

“It's obviously a very different atmosphere not having Paul around, but the best thing we can do for him is win this race,'' Rahal told the annual Indy drivers' breakfast at Conrad Jupiters this morning.

“I think one of the last races he saw was when Justin (Wilson) won in Detroit which was fantastic.''

Newman was a huge supporter of the sport and the team who had huge respect for the actor and philanthropist.

"I think the team looked at him as more of a friend than a team owner," said Rahal.