Daytona 24: Max Papis preview

What it takes for Max Papis to complete the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Max Papis is looking forward this weekend to participate in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 10th of his career! This race will also mark the 10-year anniversary of the likeable "Mad Max" nickname, when his American racing history and dream began. Since then, Max has a bag full of 24 hours endurance races, including four appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and an impressive nine times the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

With an excellent chance of winning the race, this year Max re-joins Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, driving the #01 CompUSA Lexus-Riley, looking to duplicate his overall win in 2002 and SR class win in 2000 at Daytona International Speedway.

What it takes for Mad Max to complete the race:

Distance: 700 laps or 2470 miles in a 24 hour period.

Equivalent to driving from Los Angeles to New York City in 24 hours at an average speed of 120 mph.

Pitstops: 30

The 01 CompUSA Chip Ganassi Racing crew will remain in place for 24 hours, prepared to change tires, fuel or make repairs on any moments notice. This is an endurance race for the cars, drivers and the team.

Tires: 27 sets of Hoosier Tires

Fuel: 500 gallons of race fuel

Gearbox: There are 22 shifts per lap, that's 15,400 shifts in the 24 hour period.

That's tough on the gearbox; the drivers must take care of the equipment in order to make it to the end.

Turns: They'll turn 9,100 times over 24 hours. Based on 13 turns per lap.

Speed: The top speed is 185 mph. The race lap average is 120 mph.

Caution periods and pitstops will take the average to approximately 103 mph.

Braking: 3500 hard braking zones

-www.maxpapis.com