Max Papis, the versatile driver of open-wheel and sports-car racing, has been hired to drive a second Cheever Racing entry for the Indianapolis 500. source: paddocktalk.com Papis, 36, will attempt to put the No. 52 Cheever Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone in the 33-car field when qualifying begins May 20 for the 90th running of the historic race. It will be the second Indy 500 for Papis, who has competed in Formula One, CART and several sports-car series during a 24-year career. In 2002, Papis also drove for Eddie Cheever Jr. at Indianapolis, finishing 23rd after starting 18th in the No. 53 Cheever Racing entry. "I look forward to returning to the Indianapolis 500 to be part of the history and legends that the speedway has created over the past 90 years," Papis said. Cheever, the 1998 Indy 500 winner, said he is pleased to have Papis on board. "Papis drove for Cheever Racing in his rookie race at the 500 and we did not deliver for him when we had mechanical problems with his car," Cheever said. "I am happy we are able to give him another chance. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and spirit to the program." A native of Como, Italy, Papis moved up the ladder of European formulas during his late teens and early 20s before finding a Formula One test ride with Lotus and Honda in 1994. The following year, he competed in seven Formula One races with Arrows. In 1996, Papis posted three wins in IMSA World Sports Car, then joined Championship Auto Racing Teams, where he won three races in five years. Since then, Papis has been one of the top competitors in American sports-car racing. He posted an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2002, a Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series championship in 2004, and class wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona and two runner-up finishes at the 24 Hours of LeMans.
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