Panther Racing signs engineer Mike Cannon

Panther Racing announced via Twitter on Wednesday that it has signed highly rated engineer Michael Cannon. "He will join Technical Director David Cripps to help strengthen our entire staff," the team stated.

This should boost J.R. Hildebrands chances of winning the IndyCar rookie title this year. Hildebrand leads the rookie standings, but Newman/Haas Racing's James Hinchcliffe has closed to within three points of him with four races to go.