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GEM's new driver hired for 08 - 2007/10/11 00:47
GEM will sign Carpentier to pilot No. 10 Dodge in '08
By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
October 10, 2007
03:38 PM EDT
type size: + -Former IndyCar Series and Champ Car driver Patrick Carpentier, a native of Canada, will drive the No. 10 car at Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season, according to Max d'Orsonnens, a public relations representative for Carpentier.
"I guess the news leaked a little early," d' Orsonnens said Wednesday. "Patrick will be available for a statement."
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A "little early" may be one way to describe it. The "leak" was news to Ray Evernham, who earlier this season forged a partnership of his racing organization with businessman George N. Gillett Jr.
"No one has told me that Patrick Carpentier is the official driver of the No. 10 car next season," Evernham said. "Until George Gillett tells me that ... I have not signed a contract or any contract as of yet."
Carpentier made a splash earlier this season when he debuted in the Busch Series' first-ever event in Montreal. He won the pole and finished second.
He made his Cup debut Aug. 12 at The Glen, driving the No. 10 in place of Riggs, and finished 22nd.
Carpentier is the latest international name to join the stock-car ranks. Last weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway, Jacques Villeneuve, also a Canadian, made his Cup debut, while Dario Franchitti of Scotland made his ARCA debut. Both have full-time Cup rides next season.
Carpentier will replace Scott Riggs, who last week signed with Haas CNC for the 2008 season.
News of Carpentier's agreement with GEM sends driver David Stremme back to pound the pavement some more.
Stremme, who currently drives for Chip Ganassi Racing, is being replaced by Franchitti. Stremme was on the short list of drivers to pilot the No. 10 car.
Jeff Dickerson, Stremme's agent said, "[GEM] made their decision and I wish them nothing but luck trying to get Patrick up to speed. We are excited about the possibilities they lay ahead for David."
Michael Waltrip Racing is reported to be an option for Stremme next season.
Carpentier becomes the latest open-wheel driver to jump to NASCAR, and will join a Dodge camp that already has Juan Montoya and Franchitti in Avengers for next season. Villeneuve, a former Formula One world champion, will drive a Toyota next season, and Scott Speed will race a Toyota in the ARCA Series.
Carpentier has driven in only one Nextel Cup race and two Busch Series events, all on road courses. The No. 10 is currently outside the top 35 in owner points, and Riggs has failed to qualify for seven events, including Sunday's race at Talladega.
It creates a tricky situation for Carpentier because if the car isn't locked into the field and misses races, Carpentier won't get the experience he'd need to race it inside the top 35 in points.
Gillett acknowledged the difficulties Carpentier could face.
"Like all of these new guys, there is going to be a learning curve in regards to ... if you bring them into this sport, how do you bring them in properly?" he said. "I'm not sure you take somebody like Patrick Carpentier and throw them right into Nextel Cup."
Carpentier remains attractive because the team can court Canadian companies to sponsor the car.
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