Carl Haas, one of the men behind the highly successful Newman/Haas Racing team and numerous other motorsports entities, passed away last week at the age of 86, reports . Haas passed away at home with his family after a long illness.

Haas had also struggled with Alzheimer’s in his later years. The Haas family on the Carl Haas Automotive website today.

Haas started racing in 1952, starting off a successful career by winning ten races at the Milwaukee Mile and one of the earliest races at Road America, according to the family’s statement. He started in business as a result of racing in Europe, establishing Haas Auto Imports to distribute several lines of race cars and parts.

Haas helmed programs in Formula One, Can-Am, NASCAR, IndyCar and CART in a career of team ownership spanning 40 years, with his teams winning 16 championships, per Racer. One of his teams, Newman/Haas Racing, became one of the most successful teams in IndyCar and CART history after Haas decided to team up with Can-Am rival and actor Paul Newman.

Haas also spent 10 years running the Milwaukee Mile racetrack, three years running the Houston Grand Prix, served on the board of directors for Road America, and also served as a board member and eventually the chairman of the Sports Car Club of America.