Panoz to field two cars in Europe in '06

BRASELTON - Elan Motorsports Technologies (EMT), part of the Panoz Motor Sports Group of companies, announced Thursday a European-based factory effort involving its Esperante GTLM race car with Team LNT. The agreement calls for Team LNT to establish a European agency for the sale of Panoz Esperante GTLM race cars.

This exciting new partnership will see Team LNT run two Esperante GTLM race cars in Europe throughout 2006, working with EMT's factory in Braselton, Ga. Team LNT also will support EMT's expansion plans into Europe by actively participating in the sale of GTLM race cars, spare parts, service and trackside support.

All the major European sports car championships are under consideration for 2006, plus selected races in North America. In particular are the LMES Championship, the FIA GT Championship and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Team LNT and Panoz also have ambitions to enter cars in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006.

Panoz Motor Sports Group includes a world-class and highly respected road and race car design and manufacturing division, with a long and successful history in sports cars. Panoz Motor Sports Group President Scott Atherton commented, "This partnership with LNT supports our strategy to expand in Europe. LNT fits all the criteria as a team and is a top-flight, professional organization that can assist us in fulfilling our European growth plans."

David Bowes, EMT CEO, commented, "We have undertaken a considerable search to find the right partner who can work with us on the race track and also on the commercial side of our business. Lawrence Tomlinson and his team of highly qualified people are the ideal choice for us to work with. All future Panoz Esperante race teams will receive equal support and access to the same factory development programs and parts.

"Don Panoz has mandated that all teams racing Panoz Esperantes will be treated equally with everyone receiving the same developmental parts and assistance, and that is exactly what we are going to do," Bowes added. "Team LNT will be provider of these services to all European Panoz teams."

LNT Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson commented at the announcement, "Having proved our development skills and race-winning ability as a team, we are thrilled to be able to mount a serious challenge in 2006 with our hugely respected partner, Panoz. This is a long-term deal, and we aim to provide our European customers with the back up and service to enable them to compete at the highest level."