Papis to Succced Rahal, Car Co-Owner Wells Says

Max Papis is leaving his CART FedEx Championship Series team to become Bobby Rahal’s successor next year, the co-owner of Papis’ current team said Tuesday.

Papis, who had an option for two more years in his contract with Arciero-Wells Racing based in Santa Margarita, recently had agreed to return next season.

“I had no idea Max was going to leave,” said Arciero-Wells co-owner Cal Wells III. “We had an agreement, we shook each other’s hand. But people get opportunities, and he’s going to have a chance to drive the No. 7 [Rahal’s] car.

“I’d like to see him win a lot of races. We thought he was the right choice to come to this series.”

Rahal, a three-time series champion who has announced his retirement from driving for next season, could not be reached for comment. Team Rahal spokesman Scott Reisz said, “We have not signed a driver to replace Bobby at this point.”

Papis said, “I have a pretty good idea where I’m going,” but wouldn’t confirm joining Team Rahal.

“Next week we’ll know exactly what’s happening,” Papis said. “I think it will be something very good--that’s all I can tell you. It will be a very good surprise.”

Rahal, 45, who races a Reynard/Ford, is eighth in the series point totals with five races remaining. He is a three-time series champion. Papis, 28, completing his second full season, is 20th.

Papis, who lives in Newport Beach, had seven top-15 finishes in 14 races this season for Arciero-Wells, one of two teams developing the third-year Toyota powerplant.