Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) honored John and Jane Barnes with Panther Racing for all they have done for the National Guard and the Indianapolis racing industry.
“John Barnes was bitten by the racing bug when the best man in his father’s wedding, a National Guard soldier, brought him along as he visited nearby racing tracks,” said Rep. Burton. “Over the last 40 years, John has held almost every position in racing—mechanic, engineer, car builder, team manager, CEO and owner.”
Panther Racing, a championship-winning motorsports franchise in the Indy Racing League, was formed in 1997. The team earned its first victory at Phoenix International Raceway in 1999 with driver Scott Goodyear and won back-to-back IndyCar Series Championships with Sam Hornish, Jr. in 2001 and 2002.
They began participating in Indy Lights in 2003 and won its first championship with Mark Taylor that same year. Panther Racing has collected a total of 28 racing victories and three championships during its 11 seasons of competition.
“John was an outstanding athlete in high school. In fact, he turned down several college football scholarships in order to pursue his dream of winning the Indianapolis 500.”
In fulfillment of his dream, John Barnes was awarded the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Louis Meyer Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given during the Indianapolis 500 Hall of Fame banquet.
As a special project director, Jane Barnes is an integral part of Panther Racing. Jane has served in many capacities during her time in motorsports, including logistics and travel coordinator, manager of human relations and served as public relations manager on the 2003 Panther’s Firestone Indy Lights Championship team.
When Jane is not involved in racing, she is very active in the world of education. She serves as a board member of the Decatur Discovery Academy Charter School and a charter board member and advisory board member of Best Buddies Indiana.
“Panther Racing and the Barnes family have made many economic contributions to the city of Indianapolis and our state, but its greatest accomplishment is the enjoyment brought to racing fans throughout the state and the nation.”
The picture above features Rep. Burton presenting the resolution to John and Jane Barnes in the House of Representatives.
