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James: “Continual Progress” Made in Initial Panoz Avezzano GT Test

Ian James upbeat following initial Panoz Avezzano test…

Photo: Panoz

Photo: Panoz

Ian James has declared the Panoz Avezzano GT’s initial test a success, as Team Panoz Racing gears up for its Pirelli World Challenge debut at this weekend’s season-opener in St. Pete.

The GT4-based car completed a “comprehensive” two-day test at Road Atlanta last week, in what marked the V8-powered machine’s first laps ahead of a full-season program in the GTS class this year.

“For a new car rollout, yesterday was very successful and today we made continuous progress,” James said. “We had quite a list to go through.

“Obviously with any new car you have that. But we went through them and ticked off all the boxes. I’m very happy with the car.

“It’s very enjoyable to drive, and I’m definitely looking forward to the first race.”

While mileage or lap times were not released, team manager Tom Milner admitted the test virtually went to plan.

“In all of my years of racing, I can’t ever remember having tested a brand new car with so few problems,” he said. “But it’s not all roses; there’s still a lot to do before we head to St. Petersburg.

“We ended the day with a degree of confidence we’ll do well, and I think that in itself speaks well of the whole crew.

“The mechanics, the engineers, the designers, everyone at Team Panoz Racing, as well as Ian [James] have all worked very hard and as a team and devoted a lot of hours to get ready.

“It’s really terrific, and all deserve credit. I am very proud of the team.”

Veteran engineer Stefan Pfeiffer, meanwhile, has joined the team as its race engineer, with a second car alongside the full-season entry for James expected to debut later in the year.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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