Panther Racing managing partner John Barnes will be presented the Spirit of Hope Award at a ceremony Nov. 19 in Washington, D.C.
The award is given annually to individuals whose "commitment and dedication to service in support of the Armed Forces and their families embodies the ideals and values exemplified by the late Mr. Bob Hope."
Barnes has been the driving force behind Panther Racing's partnership with the National Guard since 2008. Most recently, he created the "Operation: Hire Our Guard" employment program that seeks to turn around unemployment issues facing National Guard soldiers.
As part of the program, Panther invites local business and military leadership to its events and educates company principals about the unemployment crisis and the benefits of hiring veterans.
"To be recognized in the same light as Bob Hope, and all the great things that he did for our military, is unbelievably humbling," Barnes said. "At Panther Racing we're very privileged to have an opportunity to make a positive impact on our National Guard service members and their families. This only continues to further dedicate myself and our team to make the most of the responsibility we have representing these great men and women."
The National Guard is the primary sponsor of the Chevrolet-powered No. 4 IZOD IndyCar Series car.
Ed Carpenter Racing will borrow trailer, some equipment for Houston event
Team owner/driver Ed Carpenter said the cause of a fire Sept. 25 that damaged the Ed Carpenter Racing trailer on its way to the Indianapolis base from a manufacturer test the day before at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., is under investigation.
“Everybody is OK and that’s the most important thing,” said Carpenter, who noted that the primary car for the Oct. 5-6 Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston was at the Indianapolis shop at the time of the incident on I-40 near Flagstaff, Ariz.
“Easily the thing could easily have burnt down. Luckily, the fire department was able to get there at the right time and the Andretti Autosport guys were a big help.”
One of the Andretti Autosport transporters hauled the Indianapolis 500 pole-winning car and some parts back to Indianapolis, where the Ed Carpenter Racing crew began a detailed check Sept. 26.
“The race car needs a lot of work. It was pretty smoke damaged," Carpenter said. "But we are feeling very fortunate, all things considered, with the way some of the equipment is looking right now."
Carpenter said the team will utilize a Dreyer & Reinbold Racing trailer and some equipment for the Houston event weekend.
Make a bid on 'Horsepower' to benefit Racing For Kids
“Horsepower,” a unique oil painting by noted wildlife artist Charlie Bishop, is being auctioned on eBay with proceeds benefiting Racing For Kids’ driver hospital visit program and its year-end donations to children’s hospitals for designated needs or playroom development.
The artwork, featuring Ryan Hunter-Reay in his 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series championship-winning No. 28 Andretti Autosport car flanked by thoroughbred horses. The 3x4-foot creation is signed by Hunter-Reay and Bishop. Bid HERE.
Of note
Steve Horne, who as crew chief of Truesports Racing won back-to-back CART championships and the 1986 Indianapolis 500 with driver Bobby Rahal and scored multiple victories with the Tasman Motorsports Group team he owned, has been named chairman of the V8 Supercars commission. ... Check out the video below of Graham Rahal driving the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing-prepared blu eCigs car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course during a test earlier this month. The company is the primary sponsor at Houston of the No. 15 car, which will have a new-look livery.