Papis to drive two races for Haas CNC

The Italian, who has worked as a development driver for Hendrick Motorsports, also racing in the Nationwide Series for Rusty Wallace Incorporated, has secured a deal to drive the No. 70 car at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen.

Papis had been announced last December as the driver for Phoenix Racing Inc in those same venues, but with Haas CNC, he finds himself in a more competitive drive as the team runs a full season and not a part-time schedule, as well as using engines supplied by Hendrick Motorsports.

"I'm very excited to have this opportunity," Papis said. "After testing for Hendrick Motorsports and developing more knowledge about the COT, I'm proud and honored to carry over that experience to the Haas CNC Racing program."

The car, which is currently outside the top 35 in the owners standing, has been driven this season by Jeremy Mayfield, Johnny Sauter and more recently by NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader.

Papis has made five Nationwide Series starts to date with a best result of third at Montreal last year. He would be making his Sprint Cup Series debut at Infineon Raceway on June 22.