Papis

INDIANAPOLIS -- Max Papis became the seventh CART driver to secure a ride in the Indianapolis 500, agreeing Friday to join owner-driver Eddie Cheever in a three-car effort for the race May 26.

Cheever, who won the race in 1998, and rookie Tomas Scheckter are the team's regular drivers. The race is sanctioned by CART's rival organization, the IRL.

Papis drives for Sigma Autosport and is in Motegi, Japan, for Saturday's CART race, the Bridgestone Potenza 500. The 31-year-old Italian said he has long desired to race at Indianapolis.

"It's the one professional experience that you just can't miss in a career in racing," Papis said.

He has been exceptionally strong in the 500-mile CART races in Fontana, Calif., and Brooklyn, Mich. In 1999, he was on pace to win the Michigan race before he ran out of fuel on the last lap.

"Although Max will be considered a rookie, he has shown the correct mix of courage, focus and talent in races on the large speedways of Michigan and California," Cheever said. "This experience will be valuable as he prepares for the unique challenge of competing in the Indianapolis 500."

The other CART drivers entered in the race will be with their regular teams. Those entered are Jimmy Vasser for Team Rahal, Michael Andretti, Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti for Team Green, Kenny Brack and Bruno Junqueira for Chip Ganassi Racing.