Get ready for Spec Panther 2025 presented by Summit Racing Equipment! It's not too late if you want to get involved! There are cars for sale from $2,500-$5,000. Contact Holley Goddard at 330-353-2672 if you're interested in participating this season! 2025 Schedule: Sunday May 25 @ GingerMan Sunday June 8 @ Nelson Ledges Sunday August 17 @ Nelson Ledges Sunday August 31 @ Pitt Race Monday September 8 @ Mid-Ohio Spec Panther and AutoInterests cars and representatives will be at the "Day of Motorsports" at Nelson Ledges this weekend if you'd like to check it out and learn more about our programs. FAQ: WHAT IS SPEC PANTHER? 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. 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. WHY THE PANTHER PLATFORM? No other RWD, V8-powered platform is as readily available or inexpensive to run as the Ford Panther. They are well balanced from the factory (53/47) and later models feature a Watts link rear suspension. The massive number of vehicles produced means they are easy to find and cheap to maintain. Replacement parts are plentiful and affordable. WHAT TYPE OF RACING? Spec Panther is a time-attack series, not wheel-to-wheel racing. The finishing order for each race is determined by the fastest lap time set in any of the designated sessions with bonus points awarded to the fastest lap of each session. The series provides timing transponders to ensure consistent, accurate results. The time-attack format allows cars to compete with minimal safety upgrades, keeping entry costs low. WHAT DO I NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE? While all 1991+ model Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Cars are legal for the series, the best option is the 2004-2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (P71). These models had the highest HP rating (250 hp) and came with a limited slip differential. High quality brake pads and 200tw tires are the only major upgrades needed. The rest comes down to driver skill. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? While no motorsport is “cheap”, Spec Panther is one of the most cost effective ways to experience the thrill of motored competition. The series accommodates 2-driver teams, allowing drivers to split the costs. Decent, mid-mileage P71 can be found for $2-5K. Wheels, tires and brakes will run $1-2K. With basic maintenance and fluid change, you can have a prepared car, on track and competitive for around $4-6K. Annual running cost is where Spec Panther shines. These cars are surprisingly good on tire and brake wear, with most teams getting 1.5-2 seasons from a set of brakes and tires. Tires cost around $600-700/set and brakes are ~$400-600. Annual registration is $100/Team and $40/Driver. View all Spec Panther information here.