1997 Panoz Esperante GTR-1

In its racing debut, the Panoz Esperante GTR-1 took part in the 1997 12 Hours of Sebring, but it struggled with reliability, failing to finish the race. Throughout the 1997 season, the car showed potential but often fell short of podium positions. The Panoz team, along with French outfit DAMS and British team David Price Racing, campaigned the car across multiple FIA GT Championship rounds. The most significant success in its first year came in North America, with victories in the GT-class at Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, and Laguna Seca. In the U.S., Panoz managed to stay competitive, taking several class wins and ultimately finishing second in the manufacturers’ championship. However, in Europe, the car struggled against the factory-backed Porsche and Mercedes teams. 

At the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans, three GTR-1s were entered, but none finished the race, with engine issues and one car catching fire. In 1998, the GTR-1 was further refined, featuring revised bodywork to improve aerodynamics. The team also expanded its program to include the United States Road Racing Championship (USSRC) and the IMSA GT Championship. The Panoz factory team found considerable success in IMSA, winning seven out of eight races and claiming the constructors’ championship, demonstrating that on American soil, the GTR-1 was a formidable competitor. Meanwhile, in Europe, DAMS performed better in FIA GT but was unable to match the dominant Mercedes-Benz CLK LM, though they did manage several podium finishes. 

Despite its mixed results, the Panoz Esperante GTR-1 is remembered for its innovation, particularly its bold use of a front-engine layout in an era dominated by mid-engine designs. The introduction of hybrid technology also positioned the GTR-1 ahead of its time, even if the hybrid model did not achieve significant competitive success. Today, the GTR-1 is celebrated as one of Panoz’s most iconic cars, marking an era when the small American manufacturer went toe-to-toe with the giants of sports car racing.