A day after Jacques Villeneuve’s over-aggressive move in the Nationwide Series race at Road America ruined Max Papis’ chance at a win, Papis said he was still angry about what happened.
Max Papis Says Jacques Villeneuve’s Aggressive Drive At Road America Stemmed From Arrogance
“I am just upset because a former Formula One world champion, you need to come into the sport with more humbleness,” Papis said. “And for me, what he showed was zero respect toward my five years of trying to make it happen.”
Papis, who was at Infineon Raceway on Sunday to help coach Joey Logano, said drivers from other series believe they can “come into NASCAR and kick everyone’s ass,” when in reality, “that’s not the case.”
Though Papis is Italian, he criticized the “European arrogance” of open-wheel drivers coming into the sport and said he was most disappointed in Villeneuve’s attitude.
“We are friends,” said Papis, who added he made his point clear to Villeneuve in a post-race discussion. “I’ve known him for more than 20 years, and you can’t teach people humbleness.”
Papis, 41, said he’ll have more opportunities to win a NASCAR race. He finished second in a side-by-side finish at Montreal last season and could have won on Saturday.
“Racing comes and goes,” he said. “I know I am going to have other chances to be successful.”
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