INDIANAPOLIS — Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing announced Justin Wilson will drive for the team in 2008.
Wilson, who will turn 30 in July, finished second to NHLR’s Sebastien Bourdais in the Champ Car standings the last two years while driving for RuSPORT Racing. That team underwent an ownership change prior to the 2007 season and ceased operation in November.
The native of Sheffield, England also finished third in the 2005 Champ Car championship. Wilson has won four races and claimed six poles in his 55-race American open-wheel career. Six of his seven second-place finishes in Champ Car competition came behind Bourdais.
At Newman/Haas/Lanigan, he will team with 19-year old American Graham Rahal.
“My aim is to go out there and win the championship — that’s what I’m trying to do,” Wilson commented. “You know, filling in from where Sebastien left off is not going to be easy. He obviously gelled very well with the team. He’s a great driver and did a great job. So I don’t expect to just pick up from where he left off.
“I know I’ve got to work at it and find my feet and get used to the team and try to get things working for myself and understand how to make the Newman/Haas/Lanigan car go quick,” he added. “It’s going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Wilson actually auditioned for a Newman/Haas Champ Car ride more than five years ago. In October 2002, he drove one of the team’s Lola/Ford Cosworths at Homestead-Miami Speedway but signed to race for Minardi in Formula 1 in 2003.
Rahal, the youngest son of three-time series champion Bobby Rahal, impressed with his maturity on and off the track during his rookie campaign. Graham’s goals in 2008 are to win a race and improve on last year’s fifth place finish in the overall standings.
“Obviously, last season was quite a learning experience for me,” he said. “Coming out of Atlantic and straight into the Champ Car, I can assure you it’s quite the jump.”