Papis, Pruett Reunited in Rolex 24

While looking forward to returning to drive the Geico Toyota in a selection of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series races in 2010, Max Papis felt a big gap in his schedule due to not having a ride in the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the first time in 14 years.

That changed last weekend when we was asked to co-drive the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley with Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas and Justin Wilson in the Jan. 30-31 opening event in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season.

"The Rolex 24 has meant everything to my career," said Papis, who finished 65 seconds behind Wayne Taylor in his Rolex 24 debut in 1996 - the closest finish in the history of the event at the time. "Without the Daytona race I would have never have been in America at all. I was a little disappointed that this time would be the first time in 14 years that I was not going to run the Rolex 24. It proves that I belong there, that someone up there high up in the sky wanted me to run in the Rolex 24 and he made it happen.

"It is a great opportunity to be back with Chip Ganassi Racing (with Felix Sabates). It comes without saying that the No. 01 car is definitely one of the cars to beat to win the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and I am most pleased that Chip Ganassi Racing has a long list of high-caliber drivers and he decided to call me. It speaks tons about their respect towards me, and I am really pleased to be reunited with my good friend Scott Pruett. We won the championship together. This is the best shot I have had in awhile to win - again - in the Rolex 24 Hour. I'm ready.

"It is a special feeling, a special feeling to be back with such a professional team. It's just great."

Papis won the SRP class in the 2000 Rolex 24, finishing fourth overall in a Riley & Scott Ford with James Weaver, Elliott Forbes-Robinson and Rob Dyson. One year earlier, he was third overall in a Ferrari 333SP fielded by Kevin Doran with a lineup including Jimmy Vasser.

In 2002, Papis broke through with an overall victory, driving Doran's Dallara-Judd LMP with Didier Theys, Fredy Lienhard and Mauro Baldi.

"The first time I went there in '96 is something that will be in my heart forever," Papis said. "I will never be able to forget about it. But definitely the 2002 victory, when I had to write my name on the trophy that is at the speedway, will also be there forever. That is equally important. But I am looking for the best one this year. It is going to be a big one."

Papis made his Daytona Prototype debut in 2004, finishing 10th overall in the debut of Ganassi Racing's Lexus Riley with Pruett, Scott Dixon and Jimmy Morales. He finished 10th in Daytona Prototype for Krohn Racing in 2005, failed to finish with Ganassi in 2006, and was 11th with Krohn in 2007. The past two years, he finished mid-pack driving in the GT class.

"I am looking forward to being at Daytona again - it is such a magic place," Papis said. "There is no word to describe it. It is a great time for me, because I am going to be in the Rolex 24 and the week after preparing for the Daytona 500. It's a big time for Italy and it's a big time for Max Papis and a big time for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. I'm excited about it."