Max Papis set to return to NASCAR competition at Watkins Glen

Papis, 47, has been tapped by Martin-McClure Racing to compete in Friday evening’s Finger Lakes 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

The race will mark Papis’ first in the series and first NASCAR start since he finished 15^th in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in August 2013 driving Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 14 filling in for then-driver Tony Stewart.

Stewart had broken his right tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash on Aug. 5 in Iowa earlier in the month.

“Max is an expert on the road courses and a talented athlete,” said team co-owner Hal Martin. “Max is, what I consider, to be a road course specialist and he will be able to put his skills to good use this weekend. I look forward to the race and to the opportunity for a strong showing.”

Papis, who has competed in Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR’s three national series, has experience road course experience, including many laps around Watkins Glen International.

“It's great to be back behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car,” Papis said. “I'm looking forward to helping Eric (McClure) and Hal as they develop their program and their goals of NASCAR team ownership.”

The MMR team won this event a year ago with driver Austin Cindric, who now competes full-time in the Camping World Truck Series with Brad Keselowski Racing.