Panoz Considering Options for Avezzano GT4

Photo: Brian Cleary/PWC

The Panoz Avezzano GT4 could soon be seen outside of Pirelli World Challenge competition, with multiple programs under consideration for the future, according to team manager Tom Milner.

The Georgia-based squad, which made its PWC debut last year running with an interim GTS version of the car, recently received full SRO GT4 homologation, which has opened the door for new opportunities both in North America and globally.

Milner, who came out of retirement to run the GT4 program, wouldn’t be drawn on a specific plan but admitted that in-house and customer-run efforts are currently being discussed, in addition to potentially remaining in PWC next year.

“We are primarily evaluating various options further to the Panoz Avezzano being granted GT4-homologated status by the SRO,” Milner told Sportscar365.

“Now that we have this, combined with the team’s history, Don’s history, my history, we have many more doors open to us that could be promising.”

It’s understood that among the options being evaluated include the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, which beginning next year will carry title sponsorship from Michelin as part of the tire manufacturer’s increased involvement in IMSA.

However, the car is currently not eligible for GS class competition, per an IMSA spokesperson.

“I think that’s where this racing team really belongs but that wasn’t possible last year because we didn’t have a [GT4-compliant] car,” Milner said. “They’re now also a GT4 series, and their rules are slightly different… and they have their own BoP.”

Team Committed to PWC Despite Concerns

Milner said he’s become increasingly concerned over incidents in PWC relating to his team, including several last weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, although said they remain committed to the series.

The team expanded into a two-car entry this year with a customer effort for Preston Calvert in GTSA.

It’s GTS entry of Ian James, however, lost out on two podium finishes at CTMP, with the Englishman told to surrender his position on the final lap of Race 1 after contact with another car, while James was excluded from Race 2 due to the car not being equipped with a catalytic converter.

“It is fair to say that recent PWC officiating has given us cause for concern as to the safety of the series,” he said.

“To us, some of the decisions they make are questionable and inconsistent, and at some points appear unfair. That could be because they don’t have enough experience or not enough staff, but it has had several negative impacts on our team’s results that we feel could have been avoided.”

Additionally, Milner has been fined and banned from any further interactions with Race Control this year for “inappropriate language to officials” and “not exhibiting good sportsmanship” following the CTMP incident.

Milner indicated that Race Control took offense to his criticism over the recent calls.

John Dagys

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