MAX PAPIS & THE GECKO IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY
Player Management International Media Release
Indianapolis, IN (July 23, 2009) - When GEICO driver Max Papis arrived in Indianapolis today he did not need a tour guide. The 2004 Grand-Am Series champion and former open-wheel star is more than familiar with his surroundings this weekend, as he has twice raced at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
While his two visits came in the Indianapolis 500, this trip finds Papis making his debut at the track in the #13 GEICO NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry. Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides ample banking for IndyCars during the month of May, but the 2.5-mile track is not as accommodating to stock cars, which often feel as though they are running on a flat track.
Versatility is a word that resonates with Max Papis. Last weekend found Papis driving the GEICO pace car at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb - the 2nd oldest race in the United States behind the Indy 500 - where he journeyed 14,110 feet to the top of the historic mountain. Along the way he would conquer 156 twisting turns and 3,000 foot drops. A week later, Papis is at the Brickyard for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Despite the challenge of taking to IMS in a stock car, Papis' experience in many different disciplines of racing ensures that he will adapt quickly.
"Indianapolis is a very special place to me and my family because of the history there," Papis said. "I've personally participated in the Indianapolis 500, while my father-in-law Emerson Fittipaldi has two Indy 500 wins. It's exciting to be here in the #13 GEICO Toyota Camry and we're going to do the best we can to put the car in the show and have a great run this weekend."
Papis will hit the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the opening practice session on Friday, July 24th, at 2:00 PM (ET). Qualifying will be held on Saturday morning at 10:10 AM (ET).
The Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is on Sunday, July 26th, and it will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 1:00 PM (ET), while the IMS Radio Network will carry the live radio broadcast.
To learn more about the GEICO Racing program, please visit: www.geicogarage.com |
