More problems for IndyCar’s Panther Racing

John Barnes

Many were surprised when two-time IndyCar Series champion Panther Racing was not included in the sanctioning body's program that financially supports full-time teams.

The reason for the Leaders Circle omission is just as surprising: Panther turned down the opportunity to receive the estimated $1 million.

"We couldn't commit to being at all the races, and there are pretty big penalties in (the contract) if you fail to do so," team co-owner John Barnes told The Indianapolis Star.

Leaders Circle terms have not been disclosed, but IndyCar strengthened the requirements for this year after Panther DRR stopped racing midseason of 2013.

Panther still hasn't confirmed an entry for the season that begins in three weeks, although it has tested 22-year-old Colombian Carlos Huertas. Barnes said the team has "all the people we need," but he didn't confirm having the funding.

Panther filed a civil suit last month against IndyCar, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and two other entities over the transfer of the lucrative National Guard sponsorship to Bobby Rahal's team. Panther seeks $13.1 million from IndyCar for the money it didn't receive and wants RLL to forfeit the $12.6 million it received. USA Today