MAY 17, 2006

Big Max gets a run at Indy

Max Papis, the former F1 driver, has been hired to drive a second Cheever Racing entry for the Indianapolis 500. The 36-year-old Italian tested for Lotus in 1994 and raced with Arrows in 1995 before heading off to the United States where he was immediately successful in IMSA and moved on to race Champ Cars, winning three races for Team Rahal in 2000 and 2001. Since then he has been a top sports car racer with victory in the 2002 Daytona 24 Hours, the GrandAm title in 2004, plus class wins at Sebring and Daytona and two second places in the Le Mans 24 Hours. It will be Max's second Indianapolis 500, the first dating back to 2002 when he also drove for Cheever.

"We did not deliver for him when we had mechanical problems with his car," Cheever says, "so I am happy we are able to give him another chance. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and spirit to the programme."