Panoz Confirms 2019 Return

Photo: Brian Cleary/PWC

Team Panoz Racing will continue next year in honor of the late Don Panoz.

Panoz passed away earlier this month at the age of 83 following a short battle with cancer, prompting questions over the future of the Braselton, Ga.-based squad, which claimed the 2018 Pirelli World Challenge GTS manufacturers’ championship.

The team issued a statement Thursday morning confirming it will “race in [Don’s] name” in 2019.

Details on the program have not been released although the Panoz Avezzano GT4 is currently only eligible for PWC competition in North America, alluding to a return to the sprint race series next year. 

“This year, the team have shown how successful they can be,” said Nancy Panoz. “They achieved one of Don’s final wishes which was to beat the larger manufacturers one last time.

“I’m very grateful for that, and I also wish to continue racing in 2019 as a tribute to Don and to keep Don’s legacy alive.

“With any luck we can have the same result, if not better, in 2019. Don raced for the fans and I don’t think anyone is ready to see that end yet.”

A single Panoz Avezzano GT4 has been entered for next month’s California 8 Hours at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for its full-time drivers Ian James, Mathew Keegan and Preston Calvert.

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