CCWS News - Wilson Joins Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing
02/02/2008
Justin Wilson will join Graham Rahal for the 2008 Champ Car World Series season at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing.
The British driver had driven for the RuSPORT team since the 2005 season, having scored five victories in 55 starts.
The 29-year-old Briton take the seat left vacant by multi-champion Sebastien Bourdais, who left Champ Car at the end of last season to race in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso.
"I am extremely pleased and proud to be joining Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing," said Wilson. "For the entire time I have been competing in Champ Car, they have been the strongest team. Sebastien (Bourdais) has left pretty big shoes to fill but I have big feet.
"Joking aside, I am excited to have the opportunity to add to the results Sebastien and other drivers before me have achieved for the team. I am hoping to learn my environment quickly and let the results take care of themselves.
"I am confident that with having a team like this behind me, we can be championship contenders for 2008."
Team co-owner Carl Haas added: "Paul (Newman), Mike (Lanigan) and I are excited about our line-up of Justin Wilson and Graham Rahal.Graham ran well for us in his rookie season last year and showed the potential to win races.
"Over the past three seasons, Justin has consistently been one of the strongest challengers for the championship and we are now looking forward to having him represent us and again being a contender for the title."