MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Max Papis will not return to NASCAR competition in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course as originally planned after Papis tested positive for COVID-19.
Papis was set to drive the No. 17 ODT (Rimegepant) Chevrolet for Rick Ware Racing in his first NASCAR start since 2013. Instead, J.J. Yeley will wheel the No. 17 for Rick Ware Racing.
“It’s always an unfortunate event when another driver has to be taken out of the car,” said Yeley. “I have a great respect for Max and all that he has done for the motorsport’s world. I will try my best to get the Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) car in the show and compete on Saturday.”
“We were so excited to see the return of Max Papis after our conversation in Nashville last weekend,” said team owner Rick Ware. “We knew he would be competitive at the legendary Brickyard with the extensive history he has at the track. I hope Max has a speedy recovery from COVID-19. We were lucky enough to have J.J. on hand because he is driving the No. 51 Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) midget at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Dirt Track event on Monday. We have all the confidence in the world that J.J. will be competitive in the Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) Chevrolet this Saturday.”