Spec Panther is a racing series formed by AutoInterests, LLC. Its name is derived from the Ford “Panther” platform that the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car were built on. This series has no affiliation with Ford Motor Company or any of its subsidiaries – it retains ownership of the respective trademarks for the naming of its vehicles/models.

AutoInterests, LLC has operated a high performance driving school program in the Midwest United States for more than 10 years and introduced Spec Panther as its first competitive race series in 2020. Currently the races are conducted as time trial events in separate run groups within the AutoInterests HPDE schedule.

Spec Panther aims to be a very affordable, accessible and fun form of racing.  The cars are generally inexpensive to obtain and the series rules do not require (or allow) significant, costly modifications.  In addition, Spec Panther aims to encourage driver skill development via the AutoInterests HPDE program.  Initially, drivers and teams will be formed by invitation and must have gone through the AutoInterests HPDE program (or have compatible relevant experience).

The full Spec Panther Series rulebook is available here:

2025 Spec Panther Rules.pdf

DEADLINE: MARCH 29, 2025!

TEAMS:

REGISTER YOUR TEAM HERE

NOTE: You must be logged in and have a 2025 Membership to view the team registration page!

• One car per team
• Annual team registration cost of $100

RACERS:

SUBMIT YOUR LICENSING FEE HERE

NOTE: You must be logged in and have a 2025 Membership to view the Spec Panther license page!

• $40 annual licensing fee
• Includes transponder rental for each registered race
• Must be an Instructor or approved Advanced/Intermediate driver
• Will receive hard card Spec Panther Series license

All driving Team Members must be registered for race events they are participating in.

REGISTER:

NOTE: You must be logged in and have a 2025 Membership to view and register for races!

• RACE #1 - Sunday May 25 @ GingerMan
• RACE #2 - Sunday June 8 @ Nelson Ledges
• RACE #3 - Sunday August 17 @ Nelson Ledges
• RACE #4 - Sunday August 31 @ Pitt Race
• RACE #5 - Monday September 8 @ Mid-Ohio

COST (this is a text version of what is shown in the flowchart above):

Senior or Chief instructing on race day:

• Race registration is FREE for Senior and Chief instructors registered to instruct on race day.
• Must still REGISTER! - use your Instructor Discount code at checkout.
• Transponder rental is FREE per Chief Instructor team members.

Level 1-5 instructing on race day:

• Race registration is FREE for Level 1-5 instructors registered to instruct on race day.
• Must still REGISTER! - use coupon code HPDE at checkout.

Registered for HPDE on race day:

• FREE for those already registered for HPDE that day.
• Must still REGISTER! - use coupon code HPDE at checkout.

Not Instructing - or - Not Registered in HPDE on race day:

• $100/race per team - includes all drivers but can only drive during Spec Panther sessions.
• All drivers must REGISTER! One person must pay the race fee. Additional team drivers use coupon code TEAM at checkout.

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NOTE: If you have Hawk decals on your Spec Panther they must be removed effective immediately! 

View the results for the 2023 season here!

View the results for the 2022 season here!

See what we're up to on social media and view photos here!

Only those teams and team members who meet the following qualifications will be permitted to race:

ALL of these must be complete BEFORE race day!

1. Team is registered
2. Team members paid their licensing fee
3. Driving team members are registered for the race
4. Vehicle/Driver/Livery Spec: Make sure both you and your vehicle meet all requirements as stated in the rulebook.

Event/race day schedules can be found here.

On race day:

• All vehicles must go through tech inspection during the normal tech hours listed.
• All drivers must attend the Driver Meeting.
• Spec Panther driver meeting to immediately follow the HPDE Driver Meeting.
• Spec Panther sessions as designated on individual schedules.