MAX PAPIS READY FOR RETURN TO ATLANTA

By Max Papis Racing | September 5, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Hampton, GA (September 4, 2009) – Max Papis and the GEICO Racing team are returning to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the first time since their debut there in March.The spring found Papis wheeling the Gecko around the 1.54-mile quad-oval en route to a 10th place starting position and a subsequent Top 20 finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.
 
Papis and the GEICO team are hoping their visit to Atlanta this weekend will yield similar results.
 
Papis is deemed a success this year, as he has recorded 8th, 12th and 18th place finishes in his debut season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.  More specifically, this is Papis’ first season in NASCAR, period.  The 2004 Grand-Am champion is a rookie in NASCAR’s top series with little to no experience in NASCAR’s lowers two series’.  Nevertheless, he has found support from his peers and he has proven that he belongs in the ‘Cup Series’ garage. 
 
With support from Michael Waltrip Racing, Papis and the GEICO team are hoping to get off to a quick start on Saturday morning and carry momentum into qualifying.  Papis has experienced great success in Atlanta, as he has recorded two wins at Petit Le Mans, which takes place at neighboring Road Atlanta. 
 
While the media has taken to Papis, his focus is producing on-track.
 
“I’m pleased with the support we get from the fans and the media and it has been great exposure for GEICO,” Papis said.  “On the racing side, we’re focused on building our GEICO Racing program and improving each week.  It’s been tough, but despite the no testing rule we have been able to compete with some of the best drivers in the world.  I am hoping to first put the #13 GEICO Camry in the show and then get a good race finish this weekend.” 
 
Papis will surely arrive at Atlanta Motor Speedway with that million-dollar smile on his face with his wife and children in tow.  He will also arrive with a new crew chief. Robert ‘Booty’ Barker will call the shots atop the teams pit wagon.  On loan from Michael Waltrip Racing, Barker is considered one of NASCAR’s best and brightest. 
 
Papis will hit the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the opening practice session on Saturday, September 5th, at 11:00 AM (ET). Qualifying will follow at 4:40 PM (ET).
 
The Pep Boys Auto 500 is on Sunday, September 6th, and it will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 7:00 PM (ET), while the Performance Racing Network (PRN) will carry the live radio broadcast. 
 
To learn more about Max Papis and the GEICO Racing program, please visit: www.geicogarage.com
 
You can follow GEICO Racing on Twitter: www.twitter.com/geicoracing

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