Panther Racing was originally owned by a collective of six founders, including notable figures from the racing, business, and media sectors.
Founded in late 1997, Panther Racing emerged onto the open-wheel racing scene to compete in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, now widely known as the IndyCar Series. The team's establishment was a collaborative effort by a diverse group of individuals, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the venture.
The Visionary Founders of Panther Racing
The formation of Panther Racing was spearheaded by six individuals. While the full list of all six is not completely detailed in the provided information, key figures who played a pivotal role in the team's inception are identified by their specific backgrounds and contributions. These founders aimed to leverage their collective experience to establish a formidable presence in American open-wheel racing.
The identifiable founders and their primary backgrounds include:
| Founder Name | Primary Background/Role |
|---|---|
| John Barnes | Open-wheel racing team manager |
| Gary Pedigo | Indianapolis car dealer |
| Mike Griffin | Former radio personality |
| Terry Lingner | Television production executive |
| Jim... | Indianapolis Colts quarterback (name incomplete) |
| (Sixth Owner) | (Not specified in provided information) |
Their combined experience spanned various aspects of professional sports and business, providing a robust platform for the new racing team. The involvement of an Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Jim..., highlighted a connection to local sports prominence, while the other founders brought essential operational, financial, and media expertise for launching and sustaining a professional racing enterprise.
