NHR announces departure of Gibbons.

Newman/Haas Racing announced today the departure of senior engineer Peter Gibbons who will leave the four-time Champ Car World Series champions.

Gibbons joined the team as race engineer late in 1991 from Penske Racing and was promoted to senior engineer in 2001.

"I would like to thank Peter for his contribution to the team over the years," said Carl Haas, co-owner of Newman/Haas Racing.

"Newman/Haas Racing has assembled a strong engineering department lead by senior engineers Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin and Craig Hampson, who, along with VP operations Brian Lisles, and team manager John Tzouanakis will assume Gibbons' responsibilities."

Both Paul Newman and Carl Haas are confident the team is well positioned to win the 2004 Champ Car title.

Newman/Haas Racing, owned by actor/race car driver Paul Newman and racing entrepreneur Carl A. Haas, is the most successful team competing in the Champ Car World Series. The team will begin their 22nd season in Champ Car competition in 2004 and will attempt to score their fifth overall title after winning 73 races and 77 pole positions.