Panther Racing sues over deal gone bad

Indy Racing League team Panther Racing has filed a lawsuit against locally based video and Web production company Pathway Production Co., which is now owned by Mays Chemical Co. President William Mays. The lawsuit seeks $1.58 million.

Panther co-owner John Barnes claims Pathway failed to develop Web-based interactive audio and video curriculum for the fledgling Panther Education Center, a program to introduce junior high and high school students to motorsports careers and show them practical applications of academic topics, such as science and math.

Barnes said he negotiated the deal with former Pathway owner Michael Husain in early 2006, but never received any goods or services. Barnes is seeking the return of his original payment, plus all the materials he turned over to Pathway.

Barnes also is seeking compensation for a Panther Education Center franchise he had sold but was unable to deliver because Pathway never produced the materials Barnes requested.

“Pathway is defunct, there are no assets there," Mays said. “So Panther can go ahead and sue Pathway, but I’m not sure what good it’s going to do." IBJ.com