Cristiano da Matta, NHR Driver from 2001-2002 (2 seasons, 39 starts)
“My favorite win with Newman/Haas Racing was the one in Miami in 2002 that gave me the Champ Car title that year. It was a very special day for me, something I had in mind since I was so young that I don’t even remember how old I was. The race was difficult on the physical side because of the Miami heat and dehydration. It was hard also because it was a small, narrow circuit. But the fun part was that the team proved to me again that they were the top guys. We had an awesome car, pit stops and strategy.
We started sixth but with every guy doing his job perfectly soon we were leading the race and we won the race and the championship with three races to go. The party was great because Chevron rented a boat for us and we partied a lot because there was a lot for us to celebrate. After the boat party there was another party in a disco in Miami. Newman/Haas Racing celebrates every time they win a race. The team is all made of real racers and all the guys take it very serious and fun at the same time because everyone is doing what they love. I’ve learned that I got along so well with the team because in my mind I was at home in Newman/Haas.
“The main reason why I think the team has been so successful over its time is because from letter A to Z the team is made of racers. When you like something so much it means that you do things with more focus and more dedicated and it makes you do things in a better way than what you normally do. The crew, engineers, bosses everyone works with their heart and with a passion for racing and I believe that gives the team something special.
“From my point of view it’s even difficult to talk about the Newman/Haas. Difficult because I am so in love with the team and the time I spent with them that was so good and successful that when I think about it I have only great things to say. And its no joke I really think Newman/Haas Racing is on a different level if compared to the other teams. I know that there are lots of good teams out there but Newman/Haas is on another level. I would like to congratulate everyone at the team for these number of wins and I know that if you guys keep working the same way you always work there are many more to come. Regards to everyone! ”
