For Immediate Release Please
By AIS Public Relations
April 21, 2008
John Papin Scheduled to Return to Adirondack Late Model Wars in 2008
NEW BREMEN (NY) – John Papin is headed back to the Adirondack International Speedway. After bounding to unbound from the weekly wars at AIS, the Redwood (NY) native is returning stress-free in 2008.
Papin, arguably the greatest Late Model wheelman to ever test the turns at the Adirondack International Speedway, is returning to AIS after a quiet off-season and much rest and relaxation. At the conclusion of 2007 Papin was forced to opt out of the sport because of lack of finances, as well as lack of superior equipment to keep up with the competition. However, in the announcement he noted that he’d seriously think about driving for someone if the right car owner came calling. Well… he called.
Charlie Price, a late bloomer at Adirondack in 2007 has cleared a seat and has hired Papin to man his potent Late Model team for a tentative schedule in 2008. Out of Kemptville, Ontario, Price entered into a handful of events in ’07 with young Canadian Spencer MacPherson at the driver controls. Price has fielded cars on the dirt as well, and is thrilled to have a driver of Papin’s caliber befriend his equipment. “His experience speaks for itself,” commented Price from his office at his self-owned business of Price Paving. “John has a lot of knowledge of racing, and of course Adirondack, we’re really looking forward to racing together.”
While John is known for his shear competitiveness and winning drive, his common focus has stayed easily within sight. “Charlie and I have been working together over the phone, and he has gone out and got everything done that we felt needed to be done. His equipment is top-notch, much better than anything I’ve ever driven, and we’ve got an understanding to race competitively, try and win races, and just have fun,” said Papin after returning home from a workday. “Charlie is a nice guy, has nice equipment, and is a serious racer.” With Papin planning a Summer of racing, it is a breath of fresh air to be relieved of race car maintenance during the week. “It has released a lot of pressure and allowed me to do other things,” stated Papin, looking forward to the fact that he will be showing up with only his drivers suit bag and helmet on raceday.
With the return of a common fan-favorite at Adirondack, his attendance will only come in spurts. “That is fine by me, we’re content with running 75% of races, not running for a championship makes it a lot less stressful,” said Papin. The Price Motorsports team will run 10-12 races at Adirondack and will also look to compete at the Malone Speedway for two scheduled events and the Oswego Speedway during Race of Champions Weekend in September. “We will be at Adirondack for the Opener, and will surely shoot to make the Renegade Fall Nationals Late Model 200 event in October at AIS,” added Price.
With the two starting fresh together in 2008, one thing for certain is that Papin can win races. If they can do that, it isn’t tough to keep it fun. “I want to win races, and John wants to win races,” said Price. Additionally, Papin will be bringing sponsorship support along with him as his longtime sponsor Lloyd Roes & Sons Rock Trenching has graced the new team with open arms. The same goes for John’s own crew members, who will head with him to Price Motorsports. “A big thank you goes out to the Roes Family and John’s crew, we appreciate their support, and certainly respect their dedication to John,” ended Price.
While they will only be in the pits for select events, it is well known that Papin will be one to watch when the Price hauler enters the pit area on any given Saturday. Although his part-time status will put him out of contention for the championship, don’t be surprised to see Papin shake things up as the season goes on.