Nashville: Panther Racing race notes

Sherman Leads Lights Team in 11th, Battistini Finishes 19th After Contact

LEBANON, Ten. (July 12th, 2008) - Dillon Battistini finished in 19th position at the Firestone Indy Lights Sunbelt Rentals 100, while teammate Brent Sherman brought his No. 16 National Guard Delphi machine home in the 11th position.

Battistini failed to finish his third consecutive race, this time after contact with Jeff Simmons early in the event. Nearly missing out on his fourth Top Ten of the season, Sherman struggled throughout the race to find balance with his car.

Both Panther drivers fell one spot in the championship standings, Battistini fell to fourth, eight points behind Beatriz, while Sherman dropped to tenth, two points out of ninth.

Panther's Firestone Indy Lights drivers will be in action next week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the Mid-Ohio 100's. The 11th and 12th races of the season will be ran on the 19th and 20th and will air on ESPN2 July 24th at 2:00 p.m.

Dillon Battistini, No. 15 AlexP (Firestone Indy Lights):

"We were in a strong position out there; as quick as anyone on the track. We were probably poised for the win. The only thing that Jeff Simmons seems to have learned from his wealth of experience is how to hit tires with his front wing. On the bright side, we showed again that we have an extremely strong package on ovals. Hopefully in Mid-Ohio we can prove that we can be strong on road courses. I am really happy for Ana. She's been driving well and thoroughly deserves her success."

Brent Sherman, No. 16 National Guard Delphi (Firestone Indy Lights):

"I was hoping to do better. I felt like we lacked downforce. We were tight then loose, then tight then loose. We just couldn't find any balance. I was working all my tools and never got the right feel. We have to work on that more in practice. I drove the car as hard as I could. It just wasn't a great run. Hopefully the test at Mid-Ohio helps out and gives us a better showing next week than we had at Watkins glen last week. I also want to congratulate Ana on her win; she did a great job and deserves the guitar."

-credit: pr