Newman jumped into competitive racing in 1972, debuting in a Lotus Elan in a sportscar event in Connecticut. Over the coming years, he became a serious competitor in various championships, boasting wins and national titles in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, as well as notable performances in marquee endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
His crowning achievements include finishing second at Le Mans in 1979 and winning the GT1 class at Daytona in 1995 at the age of 70, exemplifying not only skill but endurance. Beyond his driving, Newman forged a motorsport empire as co-owner and team founder of Newman/Haas Racing alongside Carl Haas. Their partnership dominated IndyCar's CART and Champ Car series for over two decades, winning eight championships and more than a hundred races.
Newman/Haas Racing showcased legends like Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, and Nigel Mansell, becoming one of the most successful teams in North American open-wheel racing history. Paul Newman’s commitment went beyond competition he used racing as a platform for charitable causes, especially his Hole in the Wall Camps for seriously ill children.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, alongside his racing exploits, Paul Newman sported the number 3 on cars sponsored by Crawford and Goodyear, competing in the exact machinery reflected in promotional shots of his era, such as the 1968-1969 Eagle or Lola IndyCar. They remain emblematic of his deep connection to American open-wheel racing.
