Papis Assists Hendrick in Road Atlanta Test

BRASELTON, Ga. (Aug. 31, 2005) – Ace road-course driver Max Papis spent Aug. 23-24 testing Road Atlanta with Hendrick Motorsports in an effort to evaluate the team's gearboxes used specifically in a road-racing configuration. Papis drove the demanding Georgia course in one of Hendrick's NEXTEL Cup Series Chevrolets, which was used as a backup race car at Watkins Glen, N.Y., the most recent road race on the circuit. “This was my first time on a road course in a Cup car,” Papis said. “To be able to do such a test in one of the best Cup cars, with one of the best teams was a great learning experience for me. “I think my experience in different types of race cars really helped me in being able to evaluate and offer useful feedback to the team. I think we made good progress in evaluating the team's road race transmissions.” The Italian driver, who tested Road Atlanta solely in race trim, gave excellent feedback throughout the two-day session and helped garner vital information for Hendrick engineers. “We asked Max to drive for us because of his road racing abilities and his experience in a variety of different types of race cars,” said Ken Howes, Hendrick’s vice president of competition. “We felt he could help out. “We now have lots of data to sift through. We learned a lot and are very pleased with Max's efforts. It was a very good test.” Papis is a works driver for General Motors Racing who drives Corvettes in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Cadillacs in American Le Mans Series sprint races. He also keeps a busy schedule in the Grand-Am Series, where he pilots the TRG Pontiac prototype in selected sports car races. Papis will return to Road Atlanta in four weeks to drive a works Corvette C6.R in the ALMS Petite Le Mans event.