IRL: Pennzoil Panther Racing Hires Andy Brown as New Chief Engineer
11 November 1998
Brown Brings Indy 500 Victory, CART Victory, Poles and Formula One ExperienceIndianapolis -- Pennzoil Panther Racing announced today that oval engineering ace Andy Brown will be Scott Goodyears Chief Engineer for the 1999 Pep Boys Indy Racing League season. "Andy comes to us with a wealth of experience in open wheel racing and a keen understanding of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and ovals," said Panther Team Manager and Co-Owner John Barnes. "Andys philosophy about testing, race strategy and car preparation will continue to build on the momentum the Pack developed in 1998." Most recently Brown was with Pac West where he served as chief engineer for Mauricio Gugelmin. At Pac West, Brown helped "Big Mo" achieve seven podium finishes, three poles and one victory as well as leading the most laps in the 1995 Indianapolis 500. The duo finished fourth in the 1997 CART Series Championship. Browns background also includes engineering the car that Gugelmin put on the pole at a record pace of 240.942 mph during the 1997 California 500 and assisting in the design and engineering of the Galmer Chassis that Al Unser Jr. piloted to victory in the 1992 Indianapolis 500. "Seeing a car that I had been involved with win the Indianapolis 500 was a highlight in my career," Brown said of the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. "Now I would like to help Scott pick up that win at Indianapolis that has eluded him and help the Pack get to victory lane on more than one occasion in 1999." Brown, Goodyear and the Panther Pack are set to begin an extensive testing schedule that includes multiple tests at Walt Disney World Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway, as well as tests at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway before the opening of the 1999 season on January 24. Panther Racings 1998 chief engineer Damon Chandler has left the team to pursue other opportunities, ending a three year association with driver Scott Goodyear.
