Saturday at Indy with Max
Saturday, May 27, 2006
By Max Papis
Max and the rest of the drivers have a busy Saturday
preparing for the 90th running of the Indy 500
Even though Saturday was a day at the Speedway where the cars
stayed silent, Max Papis and the other the drivers ended up being
very busy.
The day's activities began at the track at 8:30 a.m. with
Max and the others posing for a photo with champion cyclist Lance
Armstrong. Max is an avid cyclist and counts Armstrong
as one of his hero's.
Next up was an autograph session at the circuit's Pagoda Pavilion.
Thousands of fans lined up to have their favorite drivers autograph
items such as programs, cards, shirts and die-cast cars.
At 11:00 a.m. the 33 starters were present for the Public
Drivers meeting held in pit lane. Awards were given out.
The fans were able to see everyone together without helmets,
and cheered for their favorite drivers throughout the meeting,
which lasted an hour.
Upon completion of the public meeting, buses whisked the drivers
to downtown Indianapolis for the Festival Parade. This annual
event features more than 80 floats, marching bands and celebrities.
Over 200,000 thousand fans were present.
The day ended back at the Speedway where Max participated
in a tour of his garage and car for his sponsors, Sport Clips.
At 4:00 p.m. Max headed back to his hotel to rest for the big
day.
Max's Saturday Comments
Today was a very full day, and I never once got into
my car! People who know me know that I love cycling and bicycle
racing. I use bicycles as part of my regular fitness routine.
So it was no surprise to know that I was excited to finally
meet Lance Armstrong. I really hold him in the highest regard
because he is one of the best to have ever competed in one
of the toughest sports there is. He is a hero to me. We were
able to have a little chat before we got to the business of
the photo shoot.
During the autograph session I was able to meet many of my
fans. It was hot for all of us. I kept drinking water and signing.
I will really try my best for them on Sunday.
The parade downtown was fantastic. I won't forget it for a
long time. There were hundreds of thousands of fans cheering
for Mad Max and all of the rest of the drivers.
On the technical side of things I spent time with my engineer
going over the complete strategy for the whole race. So the car
is ready. I am ready.
Sunday we all meet at Eddie Cheever's shop at 8:00 a.m. and
drive to the track with a police escort. I'll be ready to do
my best. For my country, my fans, my sponsors, and my team.
I might even have a bit of an unfair advantage. The
other day I got my low downforce haircut at Sport Clips.
Max Papis is one of the few drivers who competes in different
types of racing cars. This year he has already driven in the
Daytona 24 hour endurance race, the 12 hours of Sebring and
after the Indy 500 he will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
in July. He rounds everything out with a regular drive in the
International Race of Champions (IROC) and testing with the
Hendrick Motorsports Nextel Cup team.
The Cheever Racing #52 Dallara / Honda is sponsored by Sport
Clips.
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.
