Vancouver Province - July 23, 2002

July 23 > 2002


David Rutledge doesn't mind sitting down on the job, he'd just rather do
it in a race car cockpit.

Rutledge, a 24-year-old from West Vancouver who was runner-up in the
2001 Toyota Atlantic championship, has been sitting out since the season
ended last year.

But Monday he reached an agreement with Newman/Haas -- the team co-owned
by actor Paul Newman that's leading the CART championship -- that could
lead to two races and testing sessions this year, then a full season in
2003.

"It's like a dream come true," Rutledge said. "It's what I've been
working for, for the last several years. Newman/Haas is the team I
watched when I was growing up."

The deal allows Rutledge to use the Newman/Haas name when approaching
prospective sponsors. The team also will help attract sponsors and, if
things work out, introduce a third car next year.

Cristiano da Matta, the Newman/Haas driver who so far is running away
with this season's championship, is rumored to be heading to Formula One
next year to drive for Toyota.

The team's other driver, Christian Fittipaldi, has hinted he may leave
the team at season's end after seven years. And Mario Andretti's name
has surfaced as a co-owner of a third Newman/Haas car.

"I've just tried to stay positive," Rutledge said. "My dad [Don] is
great at doing that. He's more inspiration to me than anyone.

"But when I'd go to races, I'm watching these guys driving and really
want to be out there.

"If I want to drive again, I have to take care of the business side of
things and find the sponsors. That's the only way it's going to happen."

Rutledge hopes to race with Newman/Haas at Montreal and Miami this
season. He would still be considered a CART rookie in 2003.