Cox News Service Paul Newman, shown at Moroso Motorsports Park in Jupiter, Fla., in 2004, had a passion for auto racing. The NASCAR community, like all of motorsports, lost a great friend last week with the passing of actor/racer Paul Newman, who died at age 83.

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick issued a statement expressing his appreciation of the Hollywood icon.

"Paul and I were friends for more than 20 years. We met in the mid-1980s through Jim Fitzgerald and raced together in the SCCA [Sports Car Club of America]. The two of us had many of the same passions, and I will always cherish the time we shared. He was one of the most amazing people I've ever known," Hendrick said.

"The Paul Newman I knew loved his family, fast cars and fishing. He was an amazing actor, a generous philanthropist and a caring friend. I've never met anyone so diversely talented, yet so humble and authentic. He was pure magic."

— Rick Minter, Cox News Service