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Massimiliano "Max" Papis will succeed three-time PPG Cup championBobby Rahal when Rahal retires from driving at the conclusion of the 1998CART FedEx Championship Series season. Papis, who will pilot TeamRahal's Miller Lite-sponsored, Firestone-shod Reynard Ford-CosworthChampionship Car, will partner Shell-sponsored team driver Bryan Herta forthe 1999 CART campaign. 
"When I set about looking for a replacement, I sought to hire the best driveravailable," said team owner/driver Rahal, who will focus on the owner roleafter this season's completion. "With Max, I think we've done that. He's fast,experienced, professional and well regarded, both by his peers and mostkeen observers of the sport. We know he hasn't been able to show his truecolors to this point in a Championship Car, but his past exploits, his passionfor the sport and his ability to perform well in what clearly has been adevelopment program lead us to believe he's a pretty good bet to do so inthe environment our team can provide. We're fortunate he becameavailable and happy to have him."
Papis, who earned the nickname "Mad Max" for his many stunning late-raceruns in U.S. sports car competition, requested and received his release fromCART's Arciero-Wells Racing team earlier this month in order to replaceRahal.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me," Papis said, "and one I simplycould not pass up. Driving for a front-running team like Team Rahal hasbeen my dream since coming to CART two years ago. Bobby and my newfriends at Miller Brewing Company have shown a great deal of faith in meand my abilities. I am determined to show that their faith is not misplaced."
"Max has all the ingredients to become a champion in CART," said MillerBrewing Company Director of Event Marketing Mike Welsh. "He shows thehunger to win and the personality and flair to give Miller Lite and CART anew star performer."
"I had the good fortune to meet Max a few weeks ago at Road America andfound him to be a very engaging fellow," said Team Rahal co-owner DavidLetterman. "No doubt he'll bring a lot of passion to our championshippursuit."
"Max's boundless enthusiasm, Bryan's obvious speed and Bobby'sinvaluable experience will create an exciting combination for Team Rahalas we enter a new era next season," said Team Rahal General ManagerScott Roembke. "I think we're poised for a great leap forward."
Papis began his CART career with a limited three-race run for Arciero-Wellsin 1996 in relief of the late Jeff Krosnoff. He has since earned eightpoints-paying finishes in 34 starts for the team. Papis piloted a MorettiFerrari to four poles, three wins and second place in the IMSA WorldSportsCar standings in 1996. His racing resume also includes Formula One,Formula 3000 and Formula 3 experience. His lone F1 campaign came in1995 with Arrows Grand Prix after serving as a test driver for both the Lotusand Ligier teams the previous season. He began racing go karts at age 12.
A 28-year-old native of Como, Italy, Papis holds a degree in politicalscience from Milan University. He resides in Newport Beach, Calif.
Source: Team Rahal
