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Archive for August 7th, 2009

Aug 07
Friday

‘Mad’ Max Papis Takes the Gecko on a Fast Ride

Filed under Press Releases, Sprint Cup Series

Max Papis - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR
Max Papis - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR
Watkins Glen, NY (August 7, 2009) – Just two weeks removed from leaving Indianapolis with a broken heart, ‘Mad’ Max Papis arrived in Watkins Glen on a mission. Early in today’s practice, he sat as high as 3rd on the speed charts before finishing up 18th when the session concluded.

Most importantly, the #13 GEICO Camry far outpaced every other ‘go or go home’ car, with the next closest being Boris Said in the 23rd position.

Qualifying would serve as little consolation for the rest of the field, as Papis would hustle the #13 GEICO Camry around the 2.45-mile road course in just 72.501 seconds, at a rate of speed of 121.653 miles per hour. His effort would be good enough to start on the outside of Row 8 in the 16th position.

To the astonishment of everyone in earshot, Papis said that he might have left something on the table during qualifying as he cautiously wheeled his GEICO Camry around the race circuit. This was shocking considering the effort exhibited by the GEICO driver during his run, as he notched his best qualifying session of the season. His previous best start was 22nd at Darlington on May 9th.

Papis’ caution is warranted. He does not have the luxury of being locked in the Top 35 in points, so he has to be careful not to crash the car during qualifying. Such an error would cause the GEICO team to miss the race.

“Today was special for the GEICO team and I’m proud of what we did here in qualifying,” Papis said. “In Sonoma, I had to work my way through the field since I started 33rd, but on Sunday we’ll be starting at the front of the field. We have to focus on staying clean and staying out of trouble and we’ll be fine. I’m proud of all the guys on this Germain Racing team and we’re going to work hard on Sunday to get a good result for GEICO.”

Papis and the #13 GEICO Toyota Camry will hit the track at Watkins Glen International for two more practice sessions on Saturday at 12:00 PM (ET), followed by the final session at 1:20 PM (ET).

The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is on Sunday, August 9th. The race will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 1:00 PM (ET), while the Motor Racing Network (MRN) will carry the live radio broadcast.

To learn more about Max Papis and the GEICO Racing program, please visit: www.geicogarage.com

You can also follow GEICO Racing on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/geicoracing

- Player Management International, Inc., for GEICO Racing, Press Release

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