Papis to complete season with PK Racing

PK Racing co-owners Craig Pollock and Kevin Kalkhoven started the season with Pollock's client Patrick Lemarie. But the 35-year old French rookie never came close to showing competitive form and was released after six races with a best result of 10th place.

Papis is a three-time Champ Car race winner, but he has been on the sidelines for the first half of 2003 after missing out on the Rocketsports Racing ride to Alex Tagliani. The Italian is delighted about his new employment situation.

"I am very happy to be joining PK Racing from Portland on," Papis stated. "I love driving single seaters and feel like I will be going home by coming back to drive in CART. I hope I can bring some of my open wheel experience to the PK Racing team and help them achieve some of their goals this season."

Kalkhoven said that the team is looking into ways to keep Herta involved with the team and a team statement intimated that a second PK entry could run later this season.

"PK Racing is dedicated to winning races, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal," Kalkhoven remarked. "I want to experience the podium - I want that feeling, and I have confidence that both Bryan and Max can get us there."