While Panther Racing continues to test drivers for the team's second IRL
IndyCar Series entrant, sponsored by John Menard during the 2004 season, it
appears as though the IRL stalwart may not be providing the backing he did in
2004
source:
crash.net
While reporting Ed Carpenter's and Andre Lotterer's recent test for the team at
the Homestead-Miami Speedway, the IRL's official website
www.indyracingleague.com
stated that the team has still to confirm sponsorship for its second Dallara-Chevrolet
for 2005.
The #2 Dallara-Chevrolet began the year with British rookie Mark Taylor behind
the wheel, but Taylor was replaced by American Townsend Bell after just six
races. Menards provided primary sponsorship for the #2 car but with the
company's 2005 partnership with Robby Gordon's new NASCAR Nextel Cup team and
Chevrolet's impending withdrawal from the IRL scene, John Menard may have
elected to focus his attentions elsewhere for 2005.
A potential second driver would team with Tomas Scheckter, driver of the #4
Pennzoil Panther Racing Dallara-Chevrolet.