PANTHER MOVES INTO 2008 WITHOUT MUTOH, MATSUURA

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Panther officials are working hard to solidify the team as a two-car IndyCar Series operation and continue to run its Indy Pro Series car, but – for next season at least – that will be without its friends from the Super Aguri Company and drivers Kosuke Matsuura and Hideki Mutoh.

“We’re moving forward,” team co-owner John Barnes explained. “We could honestly have an announcement or two in the next couple weeks.”

Mutoh, who finished runner-up in the Indy Pro Series championship last season and made his debut in an Indy-car at the season’s final race at Chicagoland Speedway, had been tabbed to team with Vitor Meira in 2008. That plan was altered when Mutoh signed with rival Andretti Green Racing to replace defending league and Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti.

“Everybody at Panther thinks the world of Hideki Mutoh and we enjoyed being able to work with him this past season,” Barnes continued. “This was a good opportunity for him, but we certainly would have enjoyed having him in a Panther car. Our relationship as driver and team has changed, but I know our friendship never will. He is a phenomenal talent and an even better person.”

There are plenty of quality drivers available to fill the team’s empty seat, and Panther insiders are hopeful to have a deal solidified soon. Likewise, on the Indy Pro Series side, the increased competition level has garnered the intereste of more drivers and sponsors, making the league’s developmental series all the more exciting.

With Delphi set to return in 2008, Panther already has a solid foundation entering the season. Now, it’s a matter of crossing the “Ts” and dotting the “Is” to complete it’s full program. What has been a tremendous help in putting together a budget for 2008 is the IndyCar Series new TEAM distribution plan, which Barnes praised when it was announced last month.

“We’re really close,” Barnes said. “I can’t wait to tell our fans what we have in store for next season.”