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Panoz Motor Sports Examines GT-2 Participation

24 September 1998

BRASELTON, Georgia -- In an effort to expand participation of factory and privateer entrants in sports car racing worldwide, Panoz Motor Sports investigated the creation of a GT-2 Panoz, based on the current championship-winning Panoz GTR-1.

"After careful consideration of this (GT-2) program," says Tony Dowe, managing director, Panoz Motor Sports, "we have become aware of the direction that the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) wishes to guide future GT-2 car design. A Panoz GT-2 car based on the current GTR-1 with a carbon fiber monocoque would not conform with these proposed rules."

Panoz Auto Development Corporation is developing a GT-2 car based on its unique aluminum chassis technology.

Don Panoz, founder of Panoz Motor Sports, sees this decision as a commitment to long-term sports car rules stability. "With the commitment that Panoz Motor Sports has made to the American LeMans Series and the desire to have stable, fair rules for sports car racing in North America, it would not be in anyone's interest to pursue a program that undermines these principles."