Panther Racing statement unification

John Barnes, Vitor Meira Statement Regarding Unification of Open-Wheel Racing

Unification Announcement Brings Questions, Excitement at Panther Headquarters

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 22, 2008) -- A wave of excitement filled the halls of Panther Racing's headquarters in Indianapolis following an announcement Thursday afternoon that the Indy Racing League and the Champ Car World Series have agreed to unify the sport in 2008.

Below are statements from Panther team owner John Barnes and driver Vitor Meira.

John Barnes
Panther Racing CEO and Managing Partner:

"I'm just so proud of Tony George, (Indy Racing League Presidents) Brian Barnhart and Terry Angstadt for all the hard work they've done with our sport to put this thing together, and I can't wait to get those (Champ Car) guys on the track with us this season. The Indy Racing League has experienced the biggest growth amongst professional sports leagues in the last two years and time will tell how much unification helps with that. We still have work to do. Continuing to move up and show that growth is important and I believe we're going to be able to do that.

Vitor Meira
No. 4 Delphi Panther Racing driver:

"I'm just happy; really happy that this has finally happened. No matter how this had to be done and how the details come down, this is going to be good for everybody in open-wheel racing. The bar has just been raised for all of us. Both series have good drivers, good team members and good sponsors. Now we have more resources, more talent and the value of our championship just took a major step forward. The Indianapolis 500 is going to be like the old days again; everybody is going to be there and it's going to be a huge deal for all of us that are involved. I didn't think I could be more excited about the 2008 IndyCar Series season, but now I'm especially energized to load our transporter into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May. I'm happy to be a part of this."

-credit: pr