Panther seeking backer for 2006

The team, who ran Tomas Enge, Tomas Scheckter and occasionally Buddy Lazier this season, say they are still trying to secure enough money to run just a one-car effort next season.

"With the departure of long-time partner General Motors and a reduction in funding from Pennzoil Lubricants, the team is looking to fill a large void in its annual funding," the release said.

It is a far cry from the days of Sam Hornish Jr securing the 2001 and 2002 championships for the team.

"We're working our butts off to assemble a competitive package for 2006," Panther co-owner John Barnes said. "We're in the racing business, and we're exploring all our options for next year, including the possibility of taking on new partners to help fund this operation and to assist in finding a suitable sponsor.

"We are in discussions currently with several potential sponsors. If this was easy, there would be 50 cars lined up at every race. We have a strong history, we have good people here, and there are plenty of great drivers that want to sign with Panther Racing and continue our success.

"As soon as we find that sponsor we'll be on the track at Homestead and capable of winning the race, just like we always have been."