Barnette makes Indy 500 deal; Cheever Jr. and Papis agree in one day

BY CHAD DARE
Danville, IL, Commercial-News
May 20, 2006
INDIANAPOLIS — Most drivers and car owners spend months trying to put together deals to run the Indianapolis 500.

Max Papis and Eddie Cheever Jr. were able to pound out their deal over one dinner on Monday night.

The man facilitating the deal between the racing giants was Danville’s own Doug Barnette.

“D.B. is the man,’’ said Papis in a telephone interview from Indianapolis. “He got this deal put together, and now it’s our job to win the race.’’

Papis, who has raced the Indianapolis 500 before, said landing the sponsorship deal with Sport Clips was a major factor in this deal getting done so quickly.

“Doug knew how much I wanted to run in this year’s 500 and he made it happen,’’ Papis said. “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.

“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.”

It’s also a great opportunity for Barnette, who earlier this year set up a deal for Paul Tracy to run on the NASCAR Busch Series circuit.

“I have three goals for myself,’’ Barnette said. “I want to win the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby.

“We did win the NASCAR Busch race at Daytona in July of 2004, and now, I have a car in the Indy 500.’’

Papis, who has raced and won in nearly every racing series worldwide, admits the history of the Indy 500 is what is so appealing to him and other drivers.

“You know this is a place where all of the great drivers have raced over the years,’’ he said. “Just walking through the garage area is gives you a sense of accomplishment.’’

With the first two days of qualifying rained out last weekend, Papis will have an opportunity on Saturday to make a run for the Indy pole.

So, what are his goals for qualifying?

“We just want to get the car into the field with the best possible starting position,’’ Papis said. “It’s a long race, and a lot of things can happen.

“In 2002, I learned a lot about this place and this race.’’

Papis, who also drove for Cheever in 2002, finished 23rd because of brake problems after being as high as 12th.

“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.”

He said winning the Indy 500 takes on extra special meeting in his household.

“I’ve won at Daytona and at LeMans, but my father-in-law (Emmerson Fittapaldi) has won this race twice,’’ Papis said. “It seems like he is always pointing that out to me.’’

Barnette, who has been spending his time this week at the track, admits this is one of those special moments in his career as an agent.

“This is the kind of stuff that people dream about,’’ he said. “It was probably just five or six years ago, that I was hoping to meet a guy like Max Papis or Eddie Cheever. Now, not only have I met them, but I was able to put together a deal for them to run the Indy 500.’’

Barnette admits his previous successful endeavors with Sport Clips made this an easy sale.

“First off, you are putting a great driver into a great car,’’ he said. “I would think a lot of sponsors would jump on board with that combination.

“But, when you look at what we have done in the past. There is a reason for their optimism.’’

Action on Saturday at the Speedway begins with practice at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) and time trials start at noon.