Panoz Esperante GTR-1
Panoz Esperante GTR-1 in the paddock of the 2022 Le Mans Classic | |
| Category | GT1 LMP1 (modified) |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Panoz Auto Development and Reynard Motorsport |
| Designer(s) | Nigel Stroud |
| Technical specifications | |
| Engine | Roush Racing Ford, 6,000 cc (366.1 cu in), V8, NA, front mid-engine Élan 6L8, 6,000 cc (366.1 cu in), V8, NA, front mid-engine (Larbre Compétition) |
| Tyres | Goodyear (1997) Michelin |
| Competition history | |
| Notable entrants | Panoz Motorsports David Price Racing DAMS Larbre Compétition |
| Notable drivers | David Brabham Andy Wallace Eric Bernard Raul Boesel Johnny O'Connell |
| Debut | 1997 12 Hours of Sebring |
The Panoz Esperante GTR-1 (also known as Panoz GTR-1 and later the Panoz GTP) was a race car developed by Panoz Auto Development and Reynard Motorsport for grand tourer endurance racing in 1997. Although named after the Panoz Esperante roadster, the GTR-1 actually bore no mechanical relation to the production Esperante, instead sharing only minor styling points. Only two road-legal GTR-1s were built to meet homologation requirements set forth by the ruling bodies which the racing cars ran under.
The GTR-1 competed in the FIA GT Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans in Europe as well as the IMSA GT, United States Road Racing Championship, and American Le Mans Series in North America.