‘MAD’ MAX PAPIS & PHOENIX RACING HEAD NORTH OF THE BORDER

Player Management International Media Release

Spartanburg, SC (August 18, 2009) – Max Papis has enjoyed an exciting year and now the GEICO Sprint Cup Series driver is going to add yet another racing event to his already busy calendar.  Phoenix Racing has tabbed the 2004 Grand-Am Series champion to pilot their #1 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Chevrolet in the Montreal NASCAR Nationwide Series race on August 30th.
 
The two parties are not unfamiliar, as Papis and team owner James Finch partnered in Montreal in 2007.  Papis qualified the #1 Miccosukee Chevrolet 2nd and then hustled to a 3rd place finish in the Series’ debut at Circuit Gilles Villenueve.  They are hoping to duplicate their success come the end of August.
 
Most recently, ‘Mad’ Max recorded an 8th place finish at Watkins Glen International, which accounts for his career best NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finish.  In June, he experienced similar success when he notched a 12th place finish at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA.  A Top 10 was in order, however Jeff Gordon clipped the rear of Papis’ #13 GEICO car on the final lap causing a flat tire and relegating Papis to the 12th place finish.    
 
Currently 13th in the owner standings, Phoenix Racing is looking to capitalize on Papis’ expertise on road courses.  As well, Papis is looking to reunite with a team that he still calls his friends.
 
“I’m very excited to work with Phoenix Racing again,” Papis said. “These guys are like a family and they are pure racers, which is why I’m excited to go to Montreal and drive the #1 Miccosukee Chevrolet.”  He continued, “I’ve had a nice year in the GEICO Cup car with Germain Racing and this will also give me a chance to get on the track and get some more seat time in a stock car.  I can’t thank James Finch enough for giving me this opportunity and I’m going to drive with all my heart.”  
 
Team owner James Finch shares Papis’ enthusiasm and looks forward to seeing ‘Mad’ Max behind the wheel of his #1 Miccosukee Chevrolet.
 
“I like Max a lot and we did a good job together in Montreal in 2007,” Finch said.  “I’m looking forward to seeing how much Max has developed over the past couple of years and seeing him get up there and get aggressive.  This sport is all about winning and I think Max can do that for us.”
 
The NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge is at Circuit Gilles Villenueve in Montreal, Quebec, on Sunday, August 30th.  
 
You can follow Max Papis on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/maxpapis.