Max Papis Joins Cadillac Racing Team, Returns To SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT

DETROIT - Cadillac announced today that 2004 Grand American Daytona Prototype champion Max Papis is joining its CTS-V race team on a full time basis. Cadillac will return to the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series for the 2005 racing season.

Papis will drive the #16 CTS-V, and returning driver Andy Pilgrim will again pilot the #8 car. Max Angelelli will concentrate on Pontiac's effort in the Grand Am Daytona Prototype series.

"Max Papis is a strong addition to our CTS-V race team," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. " His racing experience speaks for itself, and his international following will help expose the Cadillac brand to a whole new group of auto enthusiasts."

Papis is widely recognized as one of the world's best racing drivers and has found success in both sports car racing and single-seater competition. In 2004, Chevrolet chose Papis to join the factory Corvette program as an endurance partner for the team's three long-distance events. Papis won the Grand American Rolex championship in 2004 in the Daytona Prototype class driving a Lexus/Riley. Earlier this month, Papis received the Golden Helmet Award as Italy's best driver for 2004.

"To race the CTS-V is very exciting for me", said Papis. "I followed the team last year, and I could see the excitement that was generated among the fans. After winning the Rolex Grand-Am Championship, I'm looking forward to providing all my determination and experience to bring home a championship for Cadillac in 2005."

Cadillac had a successful debut season in SPEED GT, capturing four pole positions, five podium finishes and three wins in ten races. "These are outstanding results for a first season and have helped improve the perception of Cadillac among performance car buyers," said Taylor. "We are racing to help sell cars and change the image of Cadillac. The championship was a goal, and we are disappointed we didn't win, but it does not diminish what we did on and off the track. Our success has also built enthusiasm for Cadillac among our dealers, employees and customers."

"Max Angelelli has been an integral and important part of Cadillac for several years," added Taylor. "We'll never forget that incredible win in Cadillac's first race at Sebring last year, and his tremendous win at Road Atlanta. We're very pleased that Max will still be a part of the GM Racing family, and don't be surprised if he stops by the track this season."

"We're also thrilled to have Andy back in 2005," Taylor added. "He is a real fan favorite and provides continuity going into our second season."

Team Cadillac will open the 2005 season at Sebring International Raceway on March 18, 2005.