Profile
It didn’t take long for British driver Dillon Battistini to transition from the 2007 Asian Formula 3 champion into a race-winning driver for Panther Racing in Firestone Indy Lights. Battistini, just eight days following his signing with Panther and with less than five hours of experience on oval circuits, qualified on the front row and made a late-race pass for the lead to win his first start in the series.
The race was a great payoff for Battistini and his Panther team, after the Brit had turned down rides with several other teams to lead Panther’s Indy Lights effort in 2008. With Panther’s history in the series – including 10 victories, a championship finish an a runner-up in the points in 2007 – Battistini knew his best chance to someday become an IndyCar Series star was behind the wheel of a Panther car and under tutelage of Panther team owner John Barnes, who has earned a reputation for spotting young talent.
After growing up as one of Brittan’s best young karting stars, Battistini had to wait to get his break in the sport, despite putting on impressive performances at every stage of his young career. Battling in his youth against some of England’s best drivers, including Dan Wheldon, Justin Wilson, Darren Manning, Jenson Button and others, Battistini often came across the line first.
After getting a break when given a full-time opportunity in Asian Formula 3, Battistini made the most of his chances, winning five races and claiming the championship title. A test with Champ Car World Series team Minardi USA followed, and then after an introduction with Panther officials, it wasn’t long before Battistini was in Victory Lane of his first Firestone Indy Lights event.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2008
Immediately on the frontrunning pace when testing Panther Racing’s IRL Indycar machine at Kentucky Speedway, with a best lap of 217.4 mph.
Winner of 4 races, more than any other driver in the Firestone Indy Lights series and a 25% hit rate, during his rookie season in the USA.
Pole Position and Victory at the Firestone Freedom 100, the season’s Blue Riband event supporting the Indianapolis 500, at his first attempt.
Won first career Firestone Indy Lights race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Panther Racing. The race was Battistini’s first career event on an oval circuit and he was victorious after spending just two days prior to the race testing on a non-road course event.
Passed his Indy Lights rookie test with 2003 Firestone Indy Lights Champion Panther Racing, who signed him to a one-year contract for the 2008 season.
Tested a Champ Car World Series machine for Team Minardi at Sebring International Raceway.
2007
Asian Formula 3 Champion, collecting a total of 5 race victories en route to his championship season.
His successful season in Asian Formula 3 included 10 podium finishes and one pole position in a total of 13 races.
2006
Finished 4th in the Asian Formula 3 Championship, collecting 5 podium finishes in 18 races.
Early Career
Competed in British Caterham R400 Championship, finishing 2nd in overall points, winning the most races and the Driver of the Year Award.
Raced in British Formula Renault for four races in 2000.
During the 1999 season, collected 3 victories while racing in the British Formula 600 series.
Finished 2nd in the prestigious “London Cup”
British Open Kart Champion, Junior UK Club Kart Champion, Southern UK Area Kart Champion