Max Papis Hopes to 'Cut' Through the Field in the Indy 500

Indianapolis, IN (May 17, 2006) – Open-wheel and sports-car racing sensation, Max Papis, will be behind the wheel of the #52 Cheever Racing entry for the 90th running of the historic Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28, 2006.  A second entry to Eddie Cheever, Jr.’s #51 Honda/Dallara, Papis will have primary sponsorship from Sport Clips, All*Star Haircuts for Men & Boys.

Papis’s car owner, Eddie Cheever, Jr., has an Indy 500 win and his father-in-law, legendary race car driver, Emerson Fittipaldi, has two Indy 500 victories.  Max is excited about the opportunity to have another shot at taking the checkered flag at Indy and join the ranks of his car owner and father-in-law. 

“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.  “It means a lot to me that Sport Clips has stepped up to support this effort and I’m looking forward to giving them a great Indy 500 experience.” 

Eddie Cheever, Jr., the 1998 Indy 500 winner, said he was 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. I am happy we are able to give him another chance. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and spirit to the program,” Cheever said.

The Indianapolis 500 sponsorship of Max Papis is a first for Sport Clips, as they have spent the last three seasons in the NASCAR Busch Series where they have experienced great success.  In 2004, Sport Clips was in Victory Lane at Daytona with driver, Mike Wallace.  In February 2005, they sat on the Pole at Daytona with driver, Joe Nemechek, and, most recently, they are the primary sponsor of Champ Car star Paul Tracy in his 2006 NASCAR Busch Series effort.

Sport Clips Founder and CEO, Gordon Logan, was excited at yet another high-profile auto racing sponsorship. 

“Sport Clips is excited to be represented in the Indy 500 by Eddie Cheever Racing and Max Papis,” Logan said.  “We have always looked for first-class teams and drivers to represent Sport Clips, and this is a winning combination.  Our 200+ Franchisees and 3,500 Stylists are looking forward to seeing the Sport Clips Car in Victory Circle!  Max will look great with a milk mustache!”

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.

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 CART, 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. Papis also drives in the Crown Royal IROC Series and does road course testing in NASCAR. 

Sport Clips, Inc. is a Georgetown, TX-based enterprise that currently has 330 stores in 28 states.  Targeting men and boys, Sport Clips provides high-quality haircuts in a fun sports environment, complete with TVs at every Stylist’s station tuned to sports.  Every Sport Clips has “guy smart” Stylists who focus on providing the highest level of service to every client.  For a location near you or for franchise information, please visit: www.SportClips.com.

For more information about Max Papis, please visit: www.maxpapis.com.

For more information about Cheever Racing, please visit: www.cheeverracing.com.