Statement from Tony Stewart Regarding the Passing of Paul Newman

KANSAS CITY, Kan. Sept. 27, 2008 – The following is a statement from Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and former IRL IndyCar Series champion, regarding the passing of film, racing and philanthropic icon Paul Newman.

“Paul Newman was a phenomenal individual who made a profound impact throughout his life. His acting skills are well-known, but equally impressive was his desire to give back and help those who just didn’t get the same shake out of life that we did.

“I got to know him through our time helping build Victory Junction Gang Camp and during my handful of races in the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona. We connected as racers, but Paul’s ideas of what we should do for charity is what really resonated with me the most.

“He set the bar, not only with his giving, but in how he gave. Whether it was through his own line of food products – Newman’s Own – or his work in helping create the Hole in the Wall Camps, Paul did it right, and he did it with class. He’ll be terribly missed.”