Are pandas really related to racoons?

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has been traditionally included within family Procyonidae, along with racoons and coatimundis. However, a 2000 study rejected the hypotheses that the red panda is most closely related to the bears (ursids) or to the raccoons (procyonids).

Some new classification schemes assign it to its own family, the Ailuridae.

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a member of family Ursidae, along with other bears. The evidence for inclusion of this species is overwhelming, despite its obvious specializations.

So I guess the answer is No, none of the "panda" species are related to racoons.

Well they are both mammals and there is significant misinformation about the closeness of the relationship with many asserting that they are closer to raccoons than bears However, "For years scientists have wondered whether pandas are bears, raccoons, or in a group all their own. Through studying the genetic code (DNA) in pandas’ cells, scientists have confirmed the panda's relationship with bears. Giant pandas are similar to other bears in their general looks, the way they walk and climb, and their skull characteristics. It's important to know that pandas are bears, because the more we know about pandas, the better we can help them reproduce and survive"

Red panda's, however are closely related to Raccoons.

Racoons and pandas are both mammals. They are both in the order called carnivora. They are in different families though (remeber the old class system: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).

I did find this one Wikipedia:

(specifically about the red panda)

It was formerly classified in the raccoon family (Procyonidae), but now many experts, including Wilson and Reeder (1993), classify it as a member of the bear family (Ursidae) or in its own family the Ailuridae.

So they are slightly related, but not quite.

No. I heard that they are really bears. Even have the digestive tract of the omnivore, but they have grown a thumb like bone (like an opposable thumb) to hold bamboo! Cool animal!

yes they are long distant cousins

No.

i dunno are they??