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IRL: Scott Sharp still 'supportive' of Paul Newman's racing efforts

23 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Sharp on Newman: Indy Racing League driver Scott Sharp was surprised to read that Academy Award-winning actor Paul Newman is going to drive in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in early February at age 74.

Sharp, one of the top contenders for victory in the Delphi Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway on Jan. 29, has known Newman for many years and been a racing teammate in the past. They both are from Connecticut, and Sharps father, Bob, also raced with and against Newman.

"Pauls really an excellent driver," said Scott Sharp, driver of the Delphi Automotive Systems-MCI WorldCom Dallara/Aurora/Firestone for Kelley Racing.

"When we ran with each other, he was still in his mid-60s and he ran really competitively. I think if Paul had gotten into the sport at an earlier age there would have been no bounds where he could have gone.

"Hes really talented, very sensitive to changes in the car. Hes not out there stomping on the gas, stomping on the brakes. Hes very attuned to how the car goes through the corner and how hes driving the car."

Newman had some bad luck in testing earlier this month, spinning his car into a tire barrier and suffering bruised ribs. He still intends to share the driving duties of a Porsche 996 GT3R with Gunner Jeannette, Michael Lauer and Michael Brockman.

"Im angry at myself," Newman said. "It was a stupid thing to do."

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is scheduled at Daytona International Speedway the week after the Delphi Indy 200.

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