Max Papis visited Darlington Raceway this past Friday for the first time to get a sneak peak at the track ‘Too Tough To Tame.’ Papis is entered in the Southern 500 set for this coming Saturday night and will attempt to qualify the No. 13 Geico Toyota.

"I am so excited to get here for the Southern 500," said Papis. "Darlington is known around the world as one of the toughest tracks there is and to race here with all of the history at this place will be a real treat."

The 2004 Rolex Grand-Am Series champion turned laps in a passenger car with former NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie to get an idea of what he will experience this weekend.

Papis, who was born in Como, Italy and currently resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, is considered to be one of the most versatile race car drivers in the world. 'Mad' Max has made over one hundred starts in open-wheel competition, including two Indianapolis 500's and numerous Formula One and CART events. He has won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring twice and has recorded two runner-up finishes in the 24 Hours of LeMans while also serving as a test driver for Hendrick Motorsports.

Papis is the son-in-law of legendary racecar driver Emerson Fittipaldi.

Tickets for the Southern 500 are still available and Hardcore Race Fans can contact the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 1-866-459-RACE or by logging onto www.darlingtonraceway.com.

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