Carpentier out at GEM - Another Open Wheeler Gone

[rbroyles]

From Yahoo Sports:

Carpentier out of No. 10 at Gillett Evernham

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—Patrick Carpentier was released from Gillett Evernham Motorsports on Tuesday, and Mike Wallace and AJ Allmendinger will finish the season in the No. 10 Dodge.

Carpentier was likely being let go at the end of this season, anyway. GEM had already hired Reed Sorenson to take over the car next season, and Carpentier’s return was dependent on the team finding sponsorship for a fourth entry.

But his release was fast-tracked after Carpentier failed to qualify for last weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. Carpentier later wrote on his personal Web site that he argued after qualifying with team director Mike Shiplett, who blamed him for failing to qualifying in a dispute that several others witnessed.

“I think it’s a complete lack of respect,” Carpentier wrote. “I never was shy to take the blame when I thought it was my fault, but here, everybody knows that it’s like driving in a straight line. The driver just has to keep the steering wheel straight. He should have taken a time out and calmed down before he spoke.”

The No. 10 is outside the top 35 in points, and GEM vice president Mark McArdle indicated the team did not think Carpentier could get it inside the coveted mark before the end of the season. The top 35 in the standings at the end of this year are guaranteed a spot in the season-opening Daytona 500.

“We certainly appreciate all the effort that Patrick Carpentier made for us this year,” McArdle said. “But, our job is to put ourselves in a position to win races plus we’re striving to get the No. 10 into the top 35 in points. We feel A.J. gives us the best chance to do both.”

Carpentier has made 24 of 30 races this season. He earned one pole, and his best finish was 14th at the July race in Daytona.

I liked Carpentier, he got all he could out of his ride to make the field at several races. It is begining to look like the open wheel guys are not going to make much headway into Sprint Cup.

[doozer]

i really, really hope some of these guys who aren't having too much success in NASCAR go back to what got them there and join the IRL.

one guy who i'm going to have an eye on next year in the IRL is Stanton Barrett. i think there will a lot drivers with their eyes on his as well. his move to the IRL went under the radar because he's not a big name driver, but he found sponsorship and a co-owner interested in making the move.

[TennesseeFan07]

I wasn't in favor of Carpentier coming to Nascar. I have to admit, he has won me over this year.

[rbroyles]

Originally Posted by doozer

i really, really hope some of these guys who aren't having too much success in NASCAR go back to what got them there and join the IRL.

one guy who i'm going to have an eye on next year in the IRL is Stanton Barrett. i think there will a lot drivers with their eyes on his as well. his move to the IRL went under the radar because he's not a big name driver, but he found sponsorship and a co-owner interested in making the move.

Well that is news to me, it really was under the radar. I think he has the talent, if the ride is competitive.

[doozer]

Stanton Barrett plans to race full IndyCar schedule, some NASCAR events - Nationwide Series | SceneDaily.com - NASCAR News

i stand corrected on his full time sponsorship, but he does have two secondary sponsors.

[jhen713]

I don't have a problem with these guys from other styles of racing wanting to come over, I just wish they would be required to complete a full season in trucks/Nationwide
before jumping in with the big boys. Red Bull has handled Scott Speed really well. I was hoping that he would be in a third car next year instead of them booting Almendinger though.

[TheSyxxSynse]

I hate that for Patrick. I met him at Bristol in August and he was about the nicest driver I'd ever met. I caught him coming out of the gate and he signed autographs and just stood around and talked with fans. Class act guy. I hope he finds a ride somewhere else, the guy can flat put the pedal to the metal during qualifying when he has to earn a spot in a race.