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But first, Papis wants to ensure that he makes his NASCAR debut by qualifying for this weekend's Busch and Cup races at Watkins Glen International in New York.

Papis is one of 15 drivers vying for eight spots in the Cup race, and he could assure himself a spot on the 43-car grid by qualifying on speed today. Qualifying for the Busch race is Saturday, and 46 drivers are jockeying for 43 spots.

''This is one of the biggest challenges I've had in my life,'' Papis said.

Papis is a road-racing specialist from his experience in CART and racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours at Daytona.

He would drive the No. 78 Chevrolet for Furniture Row Racing -- replacing regular Kenny Wallace -- with a motor purchased from Hendrick Motorsports for the Cup race. In the Busch race, he would fill in for Tim Sauter in McGill Motorsports' No. 38 Chevrolet.

Papis said this weekend could prove pivotal to his future because he wants to drive in NASCAR full-time.

''That's my ultimate goal,'' he said.

For now, Papis wants to focus on maneuvering the 2.45-mile, 11-turn course at the Glen.

''The No. 1 goal is making the show; my No. 2 goal is to finish the race with all the four fenders,'' he said.

The native of Como, Italy, would be the third Italian driver to compete in the Cup series but first since Lela Lombard in 1977.

Papis said he has participated in a combined seven Busch and Cup tests in the past 18 months, including testing Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet. He provided feedback to Johnson's team, and they exchanged tips.

This summer, Papis drew praise from two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart. Papis finished runner-up to Stewart in the International Race of Champions (IROC) road-course race at Daytona International Speedway on June 29.

''It's a huge honor to win this race with guys like Max Papis, who are really good on the road courses,'' Stewart told reporters. ``This is probably one of the biggest wins I've had because of that.''

Furniture Row Racing crew chief Joe Garone has participated in three test sessions with Papis this year and has been impressed by his savvy.

''What an athlete Max Papis is; he's absolutely a machine,'' Garone said. ``I think he's going to be very successful in this series as he grows, and he doesn't take this sport lightly. His dedication is second to none.''

Pulling double duty this weekend would be gratifying for Papis, who already this year has competed in 24 Hours at Daytona, the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The birth of son Marco, who is three weeks old, also has fueled Papis' motivation.

''One thing I discovered recently is that nothing is going to top the birth of my son; that's the best thing that's ever happened in my life,'' said Papis of Marco, who will travel with wife Tatiana to the Glen this weekend.

``It gave me more motivation to be out there on the racetrack. One day I want to take Marco into the winner's circle with me. I hope it happens soon.''