2008 Dallara Panther Racing IndyLights

Dillon Battistini

It didn't take long for British driver Dillon Battistini to transition from the 2007 Asian Formula 3 champion into a race-winning driver for Panther Racing in Firestone Indy Lights. Battistini, just eight days following his signing with Panther and with less than five hours of experience on oval circuits, qualified on the front row and made a late-race pass for the lead to win his first start in the series.

The race was a great payoff for Battistini and his Panther team, after the Brit had turned down rides with several other teams to lead Panther's Indy Lights effort in 2008. With Panther's history in the series – including 10 victories, a championship finish an a runner-up in the points in 2007 – Battistini knew his best chance to someday become an IndyCar Series star was behind the wheel of a Panther car and under tutelage of Panther team owner John Barnes, who has earned a reputation for spotting young talent.

After growing up as one of Brittan's best young karting stars, Battistini had to wait to get his break in the sport, despite putting on impressive performances at every stage of his young career. Battling in his youth against some of England's best drivers, including Dan Wheldon, Justin Wilson, Oliver Gavin, Jenson Button and others, Battistini often came across the line first.

After getting a break when given a full-time opportunity in Asian Formula 3, Battistini made the most of his chances, winning five races and claiming the championship title. A test with Champ Car World Series team Minardi USA followed, and then after an introduction with Panther officials, it wasn't long before Battistini was in Victory Lane of his first Firestone Indy Lights event.

Panther's IPS teams have been some of the most successful in the series' history. After a dominant championship run in 2003, Panther returned from a three-year hiatus last season with Hideki Mutoh, who won two races last season en route to the Rookie of the Year award, and runner-up finish in the championship.

In its history, Panther has won ten races and finished on the podium in over half of its 27 starts in the series. Both of Panther's former IPS drivers have graduated to the IndyCar Series, and most recently Mutoh signed with Andretti Green Racing to replace departed Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti.

Source - Panther Racing